Town centres

Our town centres are places that we want to see as attractive, accessible and active as set out in the Scottish Government's town centre action plan. 

To understand the current health of our town centres, we completed a town centre assessment followed up by audits of the 4 town centres:

• Clarkston
• Newton Mearns
• Giffnock
• Barrhead

This also includes the neighbourhood centres of Thornliebank, Neilston, Busby and Eaglesham.

This work identified that Clarkston should be taken forward as a priority and this is reflected in capital funding being made available to start the process of regeneration of the town centre. 

Town centres

Clarkston

A range of improvement works have been implemented in the town centre aimed at regenerating the town centre and creating a more pedestrian friendly environment.

Clear pedestrian routes across the Clarkston car park to and from the library and halls have been introduced as well as the creation of a more attractive and pedestrian priority treatment at the railway station entrance and landscaping improvements to Clarkston toll roundabout.

We also carried out a public consultation on parklets. It was agreed at cabinet to retain and refurbish the existing parklets and planters with an established maintenance programme in place until 2026.

Read the consultation report (PDF) [990KB] (opens new window) .

Newton Mearns

Newton Mearns town centre serves as a local convenience centre focused primarily on local customers. The centre is considered to have a strong and loyal customer base but it faces increased competition, particularly from the closely located Silverburn Shopping Centre.

With the new development at Maidenhill, Newton Mearns, the local population is increasing and the vitality and attractiveness of the centre is also likely to increase. Our role will largely be to support and monitor Newton Mearns town centre as little intervention is currently required.

Giffnock

Giffnock is a suburban centre with a very low vacancy rate. It is popular locally for quality shopping and restaurants. Giffnock Library has also recently been refurbished to include an innovative new family history centre.

At this time, Giffnock functions well and intervention is unlikely to be needed. The centre will be monitored to ensure there is no significant change takes place in its economic performance.

Barrhead

Over recent years, the Barrhead regeneration project has seen significant public sector investment in the town centre which has successfully transformed the north side of Main Street.

Barrhead has seen significant investment in the town centre. The regeneration has resulted in a rejuvenated town centre with modern facilities, much improved neighbourhoods and latterly, the redevelopment of post-industrial land to provide business space and new jobs.

This has resulted in physical improvements, business growth, increased community engagement influencing public spaces and master plans, and improved green space and community assets.

Please note: The Your Town audit reports which appear in the related media section my not be accessible to all readers. If you require a printed version email business@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0141 577 3325.