Significant external funding has been secured to revitalise Bishopbriggs town centre and stimulate economic growth across East Dunbartonshire, after the Glasgow City Region (GCR) Chief Executives' Group approved two major schemes.

The Full Business Cases unlock delivery of the Westerhill Development Road (WDR) in Bishopbriggs and a new civic space in the town centre. The WDR comprises 2km of new and upgraded carriageway designed to open up key business sites, create jobs, improve transport links and ease congestion. The civic space will provide a family-friendly focal point for events, meeting and relaxation, supporting local traders, services, employment and wider regeneration.

With funding released, contractors are being appointed to deliver both projects. Subject to the finalisation of planning conditions and the handover of land, preliminary construction works – including site preparation – are getting underway this month.

Councillor Gordan Low, Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said, "I'm very pleased that Full Business Cases for both projects have been given the green light.

-- Advertisement --

"Please keep an eye on the City Deal section for updates as we begin to see plans become reality.

"A massive amount of work has taken place to develop these City Deal projects in East Dunbartonshire – securing millions of pounds of external investment for the local economy."

He added, "It has been a challenge to balance complex sites and proposals with long-held aspirations to rejuvenate the town centre, create jobs and investment opportunities, encourage active travel and reduce congestion. Well done to all."

Subject to all necessary approvals and consents, the WDR – previously known as Phase 5 of the Bishopbriggs Relief Road – is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, while the civic space is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027. A planning application for the WDR has already been approved by the Planning Board following extensive consultation.

The WDR forms part of the employment-focused Westerhill Regeneration Area Masterplan, intended to unlock strategic business sites and reduce non-essential traffic within Bishopbriggs town centre. The Council will continue to pursue additional external funding to help deliver the Masterplan, and will work with landowners, businesses and relevant agencies to attract employers and commercial investment.

Design details for the WDR include three new roundabouts, extending the existing Westerhill Road from Lochgrog Roundabout to Crosshill Road, and an upgrade to Torrance Roundabout on the A803 Kirkintilloch Road, including all four approaches. An active travel route for walking, wheeling and cycling will run along the western side of the WDR, with signalised crossings and provision for future bus stops. Environmental measures include wildlife passages and tunnels, extensive planting, an acoustic fence on part of the route, landscaping and Sustainable Drainage Systems to minimise disruption to existing water levels.