Significant external funding has been secured to breathe new life into Bishopbriggs town centre and unlock economic opportunities for East Dunbartonshire.
Full Business Cases have been approved for two key elements of the Council's £46.77 million Place and Growth Programme – supported by the Glasgow City Region (GCR) City Deal.
A meeting of the GCR Chief Executives' Group recently greenlit both projects:
The Westerhill Development Road – 2km of new/upgraded road in Bishopbriggs, which aims to unlock key business sites, create jobs, boost transport links and reduce congestion.
A new Civic Space in Bishopbriggs town centre – a family-friendly focal point for people of all ages to enjoy a variety of events, socialise and relax, while supporting local traders, services, employment and regeneration.
Full Business Cases for both have now been approved, releasing the necessary funding, with contractors being appointed to deliver the ambitious projects.
Subject to the finalisation of planning conditions and handover of land, preliminary construction works – such as preparing the sites – are getting underway this month.
The programme is supported by £31.96 million from the UK and Scottish Governments through Glasgow City Region City Deal.
Councillor Gordan Low, Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said,
"I'm very pleased that Full Business Cases for both projects have been given the green light.
"Please keep an eye on the City Deal section for updates as we begin to see plans become reality.
"A massive amount of work has taken place to develop these City Deal projects in East Dunbartonshire – securing millions of pounds of external investment for the local economy.
It has been a challenge to balance complex sites and proposals with long-held aspirations to rejuvenate the town centre, create jobs and investment opportunities, encourage active travel and reduce congestion. Well done to all.
Subject to all necessary approvals and consents, the Westerhill Development Road (WDR) – previously referred to as Phase 5 of the Bishopbriggs Relief Road – is due to be completed by the end of 2027, with the Civic Space expected to open in late 2026/early 2027.
A planning application for the WDR was previously approved at a meeting of the Planning Board, following extensive consultation. It is part of the employment-focused Westerhill Regeneration Area Masterplan, which aims to unlock strategic business sites – with the long-term aim of bringing more jobs to the area – while reducing non-essential traffic in Bishopbriggs town centre.
The Council will continue to examine possible sources of external funding to help support the delivery of the Masterplan, while liaising with landowners, businesses and relevant agencies to attract potential employers and commercial investment.
The WDR includes 2km of new/upgraded road and three new roundabouts, extending the existing Westerhill Road from Lochgrog Roundabout to Crosshill Road, and an upgrade to Torrance Roundabout on the A803 Kirkintilloch Road, including all four approaches.
In addition, an active travel route will be created on the western side of the WDR for walking, wheeling and cycling, with signalised crossings and provision for future bus stops.
Environmental works include wildlife passages and tunnels, planting throughout, an acoustic fence along part of the route, landscaping and Sustainable Drainage Systems to minimise disruption to existing water levels.
