Economic Development Service

The Economic Development service leads on a range of programmes and services to support sustainable economic growth, active travel, public transport and tourism.

The service delivers the following core elements of activity:

  • Business and Tourism 

  • Strategic Development and Regeneration 

  • Transport and Access 

  • Mugdock Country Park 

One of the main challenges in East Dunbartonshire is economic growth and recovery. Although employment and economic activity rates are high, the East Dunbartonshire workforce is heavily reliant on the wider economy of surrounding areas. There is consensus that more needs to be done to encourage economic development within East Dunbartonshire in order to decrease the reliance on the surrounding economy for employment opportunities.  

Attracting inward investment by making accessible and attractive business locations and premises available in the area would go some way to address this situation and ensure more local jobs are available for residents.  

A range of initiatives continue to be used to support development of business and regeneration in local areas, most recently the development of the Hillhead Community Centre. In Kirkintilloch Town Centre a Masterplan [opens in a new window] has been developed and is in the initial implementation stages whilst in Milngavie the Council and its partners are supporting traders with a second Business Improvement District (BID) process.

UK Community Renewal Fund

Organisations are being invited to bid for a share of the new UK Community Renewal Fund [opens in a new window], which will provide £220 million to help places across the UK prepare for the introduction of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Applicants could include voluntary and community sector organisations, local education providers and umbrella business groups.

The UK Community Renewal Fund aims to support local areas to trial new approaches and innovative ideas – whether through building skills, supporting businesses, communities and places, or providing employment support. 

Successful UK Community Renewal Fund bids will be for 2021-22 only and any activity must end by March 2022. Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday 21 May 2021.