A New Year and a new look for Kirkintilloch Town Centre

East Dunbartonshire Council’s Masterplan aims to create “a reinvigorated heart for Kirkintilloch that is vibrant, welcoming and attractive” - providing a balance of leisure, civic, retail, business and tourism facilities.

Workmen will start constructing a new public space at Barleybank, as well as improved pavements and landscaping at David Donnelly Place, in mid-January.

The Barleybank plans will see the creation of a square between St Mary’s Church, Cowgate and the Forth and Clyde Canal.

The project will also include improving the accessibility of the canal tow-path by making the access ramp less steep, creating a stepped area and developing a decked area overlooking the canal.

It’s hoped the work will be completed by next spring.

In David Donnelly Place and Broadcroft, pavements will be widened and landscaping and resurfacing work carried out, with an improved public area at David Donnelly Place.

To carry out the work, Broadcroft will be closed to vehicles from January 6-February 28.

Council leader Rhondda Geekie said: “Exciting times are ahead for Kirkintilloch Town Centre.

“We have listened to our local Champions, traders, residents and groups - all of whom have helped us to create a detailed Masterplan which aims to ensure the town centre survives and thrives throughout 2014 and beyond.

“The Masterplan is a good example of how we can all work together innovatively and positively to help breathe new life into town centres.”