Construction work has started on a new Waitrose store in Milngavie.

Barr Construction has been appointed the main contractor for the project by developer Town Centre Securities.

The development will see the new Waitrose supermarket built on West of Scotland Football Club's roadside pitch. An all-weather pitch will be created on land that is currently unused and will provide first-class facilities for the local community.

Enabling works are already in place on the site, and it is thought the main construction works will take around 28 weeks to complete. There will be improvements to the roundabout and upgrades to the A81 in order to help assist traffic flow, while also providing safe crossings and improved pavements for pedestrians.

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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."

Martin Gorman, senior development surveyor at Waitrose, added: "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."

When complete, the new store will secure long-term employment for up to 180 people, as well as deliver the investment West of Scotland FC needs to develop the club on its existing site.

The new Waitrose will open its doors to customers in the spring of 2015. The store will be the retailer's seventh outlet, and its fourth new-build store, in Scotland.

(JP/IT)