£1.3 million investment in East Renfrewshire town centres

Published 4 March 2021

A range of regeneration projects are being supported by the Scottish Government's Town Centre Fund. The goal is to help support local town and village centres to become more diverse, successful and sustainable. It is hoped that measures will help encourage residents to use the amenities in local towns and villages and support local businesses as they aim to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Newton Mearns

• Work is underway to improve the accessibility between the Avenue Shopping Centre and Fairweather Park, encouraging visitors to use both venues in the same trip. The carpark and entrance at Fairweather Park has been upgraded and outdoor gym equipment has been installed. A new pedestrian crossing is set to be put in place on Capelrig Rd by summer.
• Intelligent street lighting will be installed in the area, replacing existing lighting columns with a more vibrant, energy efficient option that has the ability to link with internet of things technology such as Wi-Fi and cameras.

Eaglesham

• Improvements to the area around Eaglesham's Glasgow Road shops are set to begin in March. This will include upgraded pedestrian and cycle access along with the installation of planters, seating, cycle racks and tree lighting for the winter months.
• New intelligent street lighting will also be installed in the village.

Barrhead

• In Barrhead, as part of a wider programme to transform the Main Street and the surrounding area, intelligent street lighting has been installed which has the ability to link with internet of things technology such as Wi-Fi and cameras. The lighting is also easier to maintain and more environmentally friendly.
• A 'daily mile' community art project was undertaken in Carlibar Park near the town centre. Carlibar Primary School were involved in the design of art installations to mark out a loop makes a mile when walked three times.
• CCTV will be installed in Cowan Park this summer contributing to the improved safety of the park and town centre and encouraging walking and cycling.

Neilston

• The Council will work with the Neilston Development Trust on a 'Blooming Neilston' project to ensure the town is in bloom with flowers, plants and trees placed throughout the area.
• Other planned regeneration projects include the demolition of the toilet block, planting of a fir tree, installation of a digital noticeboard and the creation of new village gateways developed with an artist.

Busby

• Former Busby resident Thomas Donohoe, who was responsible for bringing football to Brazil, will have a distinctive new landmark installed in his honour.
• Duff Memorial Hall in Busby is also set to undergo improvements, this will mark the centenary of the building.

Clarkston

• A Menorah light will be installed in Clarkston to honour the Jewish community during Chanukah, the Festival of Lights.

Thornliebank

• At the request of the community, a new notice board was installed.

Economic recovery across East Renfrewshire is to be supported through a new place brand and associated marketing campaign, with banners encouraging a shared sense of pride amongst residents to support their local area and local businesses.

Communities throughout the area have also benefited from impressive new winter lighting, making towns and villages more festive and welcoming.

Council Leader, Tony Buchanan, said: "We are committed to supporting our fantastic local towns and villages. This funding has allowed us to invest directly in improvements that will have a positive impact for residents, visitors and local businesses. These projects will help build resilience within our economy assisting our towns and village centres to remain appealing and vibrant. The coronavirus pandemic has been an extremely difficult time for all and I encourage residents to support our local businesses as much as possible, following current government coronavirus guidance."