Kirkintilloch Town Centre Masterplan

A new era is taking shape in Kirkintilloch - blending past, present and future.St Mary's Church on Kirkintilloch Main Street

Exciting improvements are currently being delivered in the town centre for shoppers, traders, residents and visitors.

Funding has been secured from Sustrans Scotland and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, as well as the Council's capital programme.

The aim is simple - to make Kirkintilloch an even greater place to live, work and relax.

At the heart of the project is Cowgate - the town centre's main thoroughfare - where a variety of innovative works are underway.

These include lowering vehicle speeds, removing street clutter, narrowing carriageways and widening footways.

A 20mph speed limit has been introduced, along with new controlled crossings and traffic lights.

The first improvements have already been delivered and are being successfully used by people travelling on foot, cycles, public transport and private vehicles.

Cowgate's junctions with Catherine Street and Kerr Street now have a fresh new look, as does the stretch of road to Townhead Bridge - linking in with Barleybank Square.

The area has been rebalanced in favour of pedestrians - making it more welcoming for people of all ages and abilities.

Instead of being held up by phased traffic lights, vehicles are now able to move freely through the junctions - giving way as appropriate and being mindful of pedestrians crossing.

Improvements in the town centre are part of the approved Kirkintilloch Masterplan - with a range of external funds successfully secured.

The Masterplan includes the rejuvenation of the historic Kirkintilloch Town Hall, with work underway to turn the iconic building into a centre for heritage, arts, culture and community use, including:

  • A new entrance, reception and vestibule
  • Ground-floor event space
  • First-floor heritage display, reflecting Kirkintilloch's rich history (in association with EDLC)
  • New office and community space.

The aim is that the new facility is flexible enough to cater for a range of uses - from performances, events and weddings to exhibitions and meetings.

It will have a potential seating capacity up to 300 and is due to open in summer 2017.

There is a rich history to explore in Kirkintilloch - including the Romans at Peel Park, the Lion Foundry and its iconic red telephone boxes, and the world-famous Puffers which once sailed the Forth and Clyde Canal.

The Auld Kirk Museum, Kirkintilloch Community Hub and William Patrick Library are goldmines of information and facilities for people of all ages.

All three were destinations during the 2016 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival, when thousands enjoyed a range of activities, entertainment and more.

Completed projects

  • Barleybank Public Space

  • David Donnelly Place Link and Broadcroft

  • Townhead improvements

  • West High Street steps

  • Cowgate canopies refurbishment

  • Improved parking behind Kirkintilloch Community Hub and Tantra

  • Parking improvements at Barleybank Car Park