City Deal projects agreed for East Renfrewshire

A work plan for April this year to March next year was tabled at a meeting of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet this week.

It will be subject to review throughout the year due to “exceptional circumstances” as a result of Covid-19.

The City Deal will see over £1bn invested in the Glasgow City Region over a 20-year period, with £500m each from the UK and Scottish governments.

Work at Balgraystone Road, which includes enabling access and utility services to new housing developments and improving access to Dams to Darnley Country Park, is “estimated to be completed in July 2020”.

Construction is due to start this year on a scheme at Aurs Road to improve connections between Newton Means and Barrhead.

“This project will enable a potential bus route between communities by replacing a weak bridge and realignment of the road,” the plan states.

It adds the scheme “will facilitate a continuous four kilometres walking and cycling circuit around Balgray reservoir”.

An outline business case is expected in July for a scheme at Dams to Darnley Country Park, which will include a visitor centre and water sports facilities.

A new railway station is planned at Barrhead South on the Glasgow to Neilston line, with a proposed bus interchange and car parking.

Discussions are currently underway with Transport Scotland and construction is estimated to start in 2021, with a formal opening in September next year.

Feasibility work has now begun on the Levern Valley Links project to identify a new route to connect Newton Mearns and Barrhead, making it easier to access the M77 at Junction 5.

The Levern Works project in Barrhead to prepare vacant land for commercial investment was completed in 2016. A planning application was submitted for a major retail discount park on the former Nestle factory site.

“The development has secured two anchor retailers and is subject to an ongoing planning application which is expected to be considered during 2020 to allow a site start in 2021,” the plan adds.