Road on Route to Boost East Dunbartonshire’s Economy

16 Jun 2008

East Dunbartonshire’s economy is set for a massive boost as work will officially get underway on a £21m link road that will connect Kirkintilloch to the national motorway system for the first time, following the award of the construction contract.

Carillion Construction Ltd has been appointed to build the new 4km road, which lies at the heart of a £56 million regeneration programme being taken forward by Kirkintilloch’s Initiative (KI), a partnership between East Dunbartonshire Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Preparation work to get the site ready for construction, including utility diversions, tree and plant clearing has already been carried out since the end of last year. Following completion of the preparation works, the contractor will start the physical construction of the road. The building phase is expected to take around 18 months, with an expected opening date for the road in late 2009.

The road will bring significant benefits to the local economy, community and environment in the Kirkintilloch and Lenzie area. Running from Kirkintilloch town centre to Hornshill interchange at the M80 Stepps by-pass it will:
• relieve town centre congestion and improve public safety by diverting traffic away from residential areas in Kirkintilloch and Lenzie;
• improve transport links, bringing new business to the area and making current businesses more marketable;
• boost the local economy by contributing to the creation of up to 1000 new jobs and 100 new businesses, and
• create a brand new area of wetland to protect and attract wildlife, including birds, fish, otters and water voles
Commenting on the contract award, East Dunbartonshire Depute Council Leader and KI Board Member, Billy Hendry, said:

“The link road has always been a central part of the multi-million pound regeneration programme. It’s construction is central to the delivery of many of the other proposed projects and will boost business and tourism in the area. Exciting things are happening in Kirkintilloch, we have a new state of the art leisure centre and work has also begun on a new £8 million custom built integrated care centre. We’re not just investing in urban renewal but creating a better quality of life for residents and visitors.”
Over the last year KI has been working closely with East Dunbartonshire Council Planning Services, Scottish Natural Heritage, SEPA and Environmental Consultants, Envirocentre, to finalise the detailed designs of the road. KI recognised that the new link road had the potential to impact wildlife habitats, so developed an innovative solution: A new wetland area, three times the size of the current one, to protect existing wildlife, enhance the surrounding environment and attract new wildlife to the area.
Delighted at the award of the construction contract, Allan Jarvis, Community representative said:

“The award of this contract is a major milestone. Lenzie and Kirkintilloch have been waiting a long time for this road. The proposals will not only benefit the environment but also be enjoyed by local people. The new wetlands will be gifted to the community and include facilities like a new bird watching hide and nature walks.”
Community involvement has been an integral part of KI’s regeneration programme. Working closely with the contractors measures are being put in place to minimise any disruption to local residents during the construction phase. This includes an offer of a pre-construction house condition survey to immediate local residents so that KI can ensure that the Contractor has worked to specification.
KI is also writing directly to around 600 local residents in the area to provide information on a proposed resident’s information forum and agree the most appropriate way to communicate with local people.
“The whole community assisted in the plans for the road,” explains Colin Smith, Project Manager and Champion for the link road.
“Our consultations with local people influenced not only the route of the road, but also the landscaping and environmental proposals. We want to continue to make sure that local people are fully informed throughout the construction process.”
Duncan Hamilton, Project Director for KI added:
“It has taken time and involved a lot of discussions with the community and statutory bodies to agree detailed plans that would give the most benefits. I would like to thank everybody that has been involved for their hard work and commitment, which will all be worthwhile as this central project begins to take shape.”