£430k worth of improvements to Milngavie town centre

It’s all thanks to the Milngavie Business Improvement District (BID) team who want to ensure the town remains a popular destination for people.

A new feedback survey has also been launched to allow residents to provide information about how they use the Village precinct.

They are keen too, to tap into the area’s substantial walking and cycling opportunities.

Milngavie BID Manager Tony I'Anson said: "It’s been an incredibly challenging year for everyone, but hopefully better times are in sight.

"The improvements in Milngavie will help to ensure it remains a popular destination for people of all ages, nationalities and abilities, and an attractive home for residents and businesses.”

Artwork installation in phase one has already breathed new life into the starting point of the West Highland Way, at a cost of £60,000.

Phase two, they say, is themed around the area’s many walking and cycling opportunities, with £340,000 of funding from East Dunbartonshire Council.

The BID team plan to build on community engagement, sharing information about the town and its history, about other walks and to provide key navigational information.

Throughout the year, more than 40,000 walkers from around the world converge on Milngavie to embark on the 96-mile West Highland Way route to Fort William.

However, the Way is only one of a number of trails to and from the town. Together, these have earned Milngavie its reputation as a hub for walking and cycling.The BID also commissioned artwork of the West Highland Way route to be created in a town centre underpass.

This to-scale artwork by Artpistol projects represented an investment in excess of £10,000 by local businesses in Milngavie.

In addition, the BID team developed an integrated digital marketing and offline strategy by investing over £20,000 in a range of seasonal display banners throughout Milngavie, as well as the https://milngavie.co.uk/ website and social media channels, with a focus on Milngavie as an ideal location to embark on many walking and cycling routes in Dunbartonshire.

Architects at Page\Park are conducting the feedback survey for local people. You can get involved by visiting https://survey.typeform.com/to/i7vWGhog before May 15.

Tony said: "I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes and fill out the survey on Milngavie precinct. It will help to shape future improvements - ensuring they meet the needs of local residents and businesses."

Thomas Glen, the Council's Depute Chief Executive added: "We are pleased to continue supporting the important work of Milngavie BID, which is helping to ensure the town centre has a bright future."

Phil Prentice, Chief Officer of Scotland's Towns Partnership said: "Milngavie's exciting public realm development is a fantastic example of the difference a town's Business Improvement District can make.

"This project will improve the town centre for residents and visitors, encourage active travel, and boost the local economy. It will also further cement Milngavie's reputation as one of Scotland's premier walking and cycling hubs. This initiative is a great example of how town centres will play a key role in Scotland's post-Covid recovery".Milngavie BID is a business funded organisation, through an annual levy contribution from all businesses in the town centre.