Full Business Cases have been developed for East Dunbartonshire Council’s City Deal Place and Growth Programme – supported by the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

The £46.77 million programme includes the delivery of:

• the Westerhill Development Road (previously referred to as Phase 5 of the Bishopbriggs Relief Road) – 2km of new/upgraded carriageway and associated works, between the existing Westerhill Road and the A803 Kirkintilloch Road
• a new Civic Space in Bishopbriggs town centre – creating a flexible, appealing focal point for people of all ages to spend time, enjoy events, catch up and relax. 

Given the green light at a meeting of the council last week, the Full Business Cases will now be finalised and submitted to the Glasgow City Region Cabinet for approval, to release the funding.

The programme includes £31.96m from the UK and Scottish Governments through the Glasgow City Region City Deal.

A huge amount of work has taken place behind the scenes to develop plans for both the Westerhill Development Road (WDR) and a Civic Space in Bishopbriggs town centre.

A planning application for the WDR was approved at a meeting of the Planning Board in October, following extensive consultation. It is part of the employment-focused Westerhill Regeneration Area Masterplan, which aims to unlock strategic business sites – with the long-term aim of bringing more jobs to the area – while reducing non-essential traffic in Bishopbriggs town centre.

Subject to all necessary approvals and consents, construction is planned to begin in March 2026, with completion around the end of 2027.

The council will also continue to examine possible sources of external funding to help support the delivery of the wider Westerhill Regeneration Area Masterplan, while liaising with landowners, businesses and relevant agencies to attract potential employers and commercial investment.

Meanwhile, work has been taking place to finalise proposals for a Civic Space in Bishopbriggs, following consultation and a public exhibition. Discussions are ongoing with Morrisons to conclude a long-term land lease.

The aim is to improve the public realm for residents, attract visitors, and support businesses old and new. Subject to all necessary approvals and consents, work is scheduled to start in March 2026, with completion in late 2026/early 2027.

An Outline Business Case – covering both projects – was approved by Glasgow City Region in November 2024, which set out initial programmes of delivery and formed the basis for the two Full Business Cases.

Councillor Gordan Low, leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “I am pleased to confirm that our City Deal Place and Growth Programme is moving ahead and is now closer than ever to being delivered. Both projects will mean millions of pounds worth of external capital being invested locally.

“The WDR will help to improve transport links, unlock key business sites, create employment opportunities and reduce congestion, while the creation of a Civic Space in Bishopbriggs will usher in a new era for the town centre – providing a focal point for residents and visitors, and supporting local traders, jobs and regeneration.”