A key project to improve traffic and pedestrian links between Clydebank town centre and Queens Quay has taken a huge step forward after West Dunbartonshire Council secured £2 million funding.

The work will transform a key section of Glasgow Road to improve the connections between the existing town centre, its shops and public transport, with the new developments planned for the former John Brown’s shipyard.

Sustrans Scotland has committed £2m to the project, which will include removing the central reservation, realignment of key junctions and raised platforms to pavement level at key points to encourage pedestrian crossings.

These significant improvements will create a more attractive route from the town centre to Queens Quay in order to encourage cycling and walking.

Work on the redevelopment of the former John Brown’s shipyard will begin next month, with remediation work in preparation for creating the road infrastructure and public spaces on the waterfront getting under way.

The council has committed £15.62m to the Queens Quay project to unlock the potential of the site for housing, leisure and retail opportunities.

Council leader Martin Rooney said: “It is exciting to the see the progress which is now being made to make the Queens Quay development a reality. This site is so important for our redevelopment plans and has the potential to be a flagship for the whole of Scotland and put our area on the map. This funding from Sustrans Scotland will allow us to move forward with the plans for improving the links with the town centre and ensure Queens Quay becomes a bustling community hub. By creating improved access routes to Queens Quay and making it easier for people to move about the town will be so beneficial for Clydebank.”

The redevelopment of Glasgow Road connecting Queens Quay with the town was one of the priority projects identified by the community through the Clydebank charrette held in the town last year.

A community information event will be held once the proposed design for the Glasgow Road redevelopment has been fully developed to allow residents to comment on the plans.

David McBride, vice convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “The design charrette in Clydebank was a huge success and I’m delighted that we are now delivering what the community asked for. It was important to develop a community-led vision for the future of the town and this project to transform Glasgow Road was highlighted as being a major priority. As well as creating better links with the Queens Quay development it will offer improved walking and cycling routes which will benefit our residents.”

Further funding of £44,000 has also been provided through Sustrans Scotland‘s Community Links Programme to improve the cycling route from the Forth and Clyde Canal to Queens Quay.

The masterplan for the development of Queens Quay was approved by councillors in March and it is expected to take more than 10 years to fully develop the 23 hectare site.