Work to rejuvenate Bishopbriggs town centre continued in 2022/23, with consultation and engagement – online and in person.
The Bishopbriggs Public Realm Plan is a key part of the Council's £34.88 million Place and Growth Programme – supported by the UK and Scottish Governments through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.
It aims to:
- Give priority to walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport over cars
- Rework the existing public realm and deliver new public spaces – creating new opportunities for all
- Make the town centre a more active, inclusive and engaging place in which to spend time.
A concept plan has been developed following engagement/consultation by East Dunbartonshire Council in 2021, 2022 and 2023 – involving more than 850 people.
The Council's Depute Chief Executive, Ann Davie, said, "It has always been paramount that plans for Bishopbriggs town centre be guided as much as possible by local residents, businesses and groups.
"The aim is to make it a better place to live, work, visit, shop and socialise – enhancing the area and making it more accessible and attractive for all. Look out for updates as the plans continue to develop."
It is envisaged that works will be delivered in phases. Support has already been secured from the Glasgow City Region City Deal, but additional funding will also be sought.
The Public Realm Plan includes a new Civic Space at the Triangle Shopping Centre, near St Matthew's Church.
It will be a flexible and adaptable area which can accommodate a wide range of uses, such as events, markets, fairs and pop-up business activity.
There will also be a performance space, seating, enhanced greenery, informal play features, new lighting and more.
This Public Realm Plan is underpinned by objectives and a vision set out in the 2018 Bishopbriggs Town Centre Strategy.
The City Deal project – in conjunction with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Glasgow City Council – will see an integrated approach to improve infrastructure within East Dunbartonshire and the north of Glasgow, with three main elements:
- Bishopbriggs Town Centre Regeneration
- Delivery of the Westerhill Development Road (formerly known as Phase 5 of the Bishopbriggs Relief Road) and a Masterplan for Westerhill
- Improvements to the A803 Route Corridor.
The Scottish Government is investing £500 million into the Glasgow City Region City Deal, as well as £20 million to create a medical research and commercialisation facility.
The UK Government is supporting the Bishopbriggs Public Realm Plan as part of a £523 million Glasgow City Region Deal investment.
The £1.13billion Glasgow City Region City Deal is an agreement between the UK Government, the Scottish Government and eight local authorities across Glasgow and the Clyde Valley.
The eight local authorities in Glasgow City Region are East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Inverclyde, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire.
For more information on East Dunbartonshire's City Deal Place and Growth Programme, visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/city-deal