Developers Town Centre Securities appointed Barr Construction as main contractors of the Milngavie site which will be the retailer’s seventh outlet and fourth new-build store in Scotland.

The development will see the new Waitrose supermarket built on West of Scotland FC’s roadside pitch. A new all-weather pitch will be built on an area that is currently unused, providing first-class facilities available for community use.

Enabling works have already started on site and the main construction programme will take around 28 weeks.

Roundabout improvements and upgrades to the A81 will help to manage traffic flows while providing pedestrians with safe crossings and improved pavements.

Paul Happell, project manager at Barr Construction, said: “Barr has an extensive track record of creating high quality facilities for retailers and we are looking forward to commencing this latest project in partnership with Waitrose.

“We are also a major employer in the west of Scotland and we will be seeking to work with local suppliers and subcontractors wherever possible on this project.”

The new Waitrose will bring secure, long-term employment for up to 180 local people as well as delivering the investment West of Scotland FC needs to develop the club on its existing site.

Martin Gorman, senior development surveyor at Waitrose, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing Waitrose to Milngavie and to building close links with local businesses and people, to ensure that by the time we open our doors to customers, we’re a firm member of the Milngavie community.”

Neil McCallum, President of West of Scotland Football Club was delighted that work is now commencing on the construction of the new store and the new all-weather pitch.

He said: “The Club has been in negotiations for some time to agree this deal and we are pleased to be able to secure the long term future of West at Burnbrae. We see this as a springboard to further success both on and off the pitch.”

The new Waitrose will open its doors to customers in the spring of 2015.