A concept plan has been developed for the town centre following engagement/consultation by East Dunbartonshire Council in 2022 and 2021.

A new interactive online exhibition will be available from Monday 6 February until Tuesday 28 February. In addition, a drop-in event is being held at Bishopbriggs War Memorial Hall on Tuesday 7 February, from noon-6.30pm, where members of the design team will be on hand to answer any questions and collate feedback.

The Bishopbriggs Public Realm Plan is a key part of the council’s £34.88 million Place and Growth Programme - supported by the UK and Scottish Governments through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

The plan aims to give priority to walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport over cars, rework the existing public realm and deliver new public spaces and make the town centre a more active, inclusive and engaging place in which to spend time.

Councillor Gordan Low, leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “I hope as many residents, businesses and groups as possible can share their local experience and knowledge to help develop a design which best reflects the needs and desires of the town.

“It’s important to note that this concept plan is not set in stone - it’s an overview of aspirations for Bishopbriggs town centre. All feedback will be collated and analysed, and will inform detailed proposals. Further consultation will then be held.

“It’s envisaged that works will be delivered in phases. Support has already been secured from the Glasgow City Region City Deal, but additional funding will also be sought. Please give your views if you can.”

This Public Realm Plan is underpinned by objectives and a vision set out in the 2018 Bishopbriggs Town Centre Strategy.

The City Deal project - in conjunction with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and Glasgow City Council - will see an integrated approach to improve infrastructure within East Dunbartonshire and the north of Glasgow, with three main elements:

• Bishopbriggs Town Centre Regeneration
• Delivery of Westerhill Development Road (formerly known as Phase 5 of the Bishopbriggs Relief Road) and a Masterplan for Westerhill
• Improvements to the A803 Route Corridor.

The Scottish Government is investing £500m into the Glasgow City Region City Deal, as well as £20m to create a medical research and commercialisation facility.

Business minister Ivan McKee said: “The Scottish Government welcomes progress on revitalising Bishopbriggs town centre; this consultation proposes support to encourage walking and cycling in line with our wider goals to advance more sustainable options to reach net zero and support local communities.

“The Scottish Government has contributed £500m towards the Glasgow City Region City Deal to support a more prosperous, greener and fairer economy.”

UK Government minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said: “The additional opportunity for the community to have their say during the project planning stages will help ensure the improvements to the town are going to benefit local people and their businesses.

“Making Bishopbriggs a more pedestrian friendly and inclusive place to spend time will allow for new business opportunities and investment in the area.

“The UK Government is supporting the Bishopbriggs Public Realm Plan as part of our £523m Glasgow City Region Deal investment.”