East Dunbartonshire Council is seeking input on the development of the Westerhill Regeneration Area Framework Masterplan, which aims to support investment, businesses and jobs in Bishopbriggs.

Consultation is being held on the Masterplan until 16 May 2023.

It's a chance for people, businesses and groups to steer regeneration of the 370-hectare Westerhill site, 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 masterplan will be a long-term, overall framework for the development of 'land parcels' and will be used as guidance for future planning applications.

It also identifies land for the delivery of the Westerhill Development Road (formerly referred to as Bishopbriggs Relief Road Phase 5), which will be the focus of a separate public consultation this summer.

You can get involved by:

• Checking out an interactive, online exhibition and having a say

• Attending a drop-in event on Wednesday 19 April at Bishopbriggs War Memorial Hall, Balmuildy Road – from 5pm till 8pm – where the design team will be on hand to discuss the proposals in greater detail

• Collecting a printed copy of proposals and a comment form from Bishopbriggs Library.

The Westerhill area is identified as a regeneration site in the Council's adopted Local Development Plan.

Long-term objectives of the masterplan, subject to external funding being secured, include:

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• The refurbishment of vacant buildings and improvements to the existing Westerhill Industrial Estate

• The protection and enhancement of the High and Low Moss areas, and peat soil

• The creation of green links, and health and wellbeing improvements via path accessibility, active travel, public transport and open spaces

• Road improvements

• A potential mix of uses – such as business, research and development, manufacturing and outdoor leisure.

Councillor Gordan Low, Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: "We need your views to help develop a masterplan for the Westerhill Regeneration Area. Our vision includes the creation of new jobs, better connections and good quality, energy-efficient developments.

"We want to bring under-used and derelict industrial land back to life, while protecting the local environment, and prioritising active travel and sustainability. Please get involved if you can."

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 referred to as Phase 5 of the Bishopbriggs Relief Road) and a Masterplan for Westerhill

• Improvements to the A803 Route Corridor.

The Scottish Government is investing £520 million into the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy – Neil Gray – said: "I would urge people and businesses to share their ideas for regenerating Westerhill as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal. It is important local voices are heard when planning future development of our places.

"Bringing vacant and derelict industrial land back to use is a priority, to ensure investment reaches the areas that need it most. This project also encourages active travel and use of public transport, which will be key to delivering a net zero economy."

UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said: "It's important that community members have their voices heard during the decision-making process to help ensure the improvements to the area are going to benefit the local people and their businesses, and I would encourage people to engage with the consultation.

"Using vacant land and buildings and turning them into eco-friendly usable spaces will allow for new business opportunities and investment to come to the area.

"The UK Government is supporting the Westerhill Regeneration Area as part of our £524 million Glasgow City Region Deal investment."

In Glasgow City Region City Deal is an agreement between the UK Government, the Scottish Government and eight local authorities across Glasgow and the Clyde Valley.