Millions for grand design to secure town centre future
Transport and infrastructure included in plan
Plans are in motion to enhance East Kilbride town centre and upgrade transport in the area.
Councillors on the Community and Enterprise Resources committee last week approved plans to change elements of the Stewartfield Way City Deal project and include an expansion which will focus on the town centre.
A budget for the project has been set at £62.2 million with £30 million being directed towards infrastructure improvements and £32.2 million put towards town centre activity.
The project will be split into two parts, with one delivering improvements to the transport infrastructure in East Kilbride and the other focusing on enhancement works for the redevelopment of the town centre.
Chair of the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown (Rutherglen South) said: “These are vital steps forward towards a new future for East Kilbride, both the town centre and the transportation network in the Stewartfield Way area.
“The ambitious town centre plans will need considerable investment to deliver the masterplan but the arrangements for Centre West and the new funding available from the City Deal changes will mean we have the ability to move forward quickly on an agreed basis with the administrators of Centre West. Stewartfield Way will still see a number of key improvements.
“This includes easing traffic congestion at both the Hairmyres and Kingsgate ends, enhancing bus infrastructure, and improving cycling and walking routes.
“All in all, I am confident these plans and the significant investment that go with them will lead to a bright future for East Kilbride after the decline of recent years.”
Two key decisions were taken at last week’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee which affect the project.
The first decision was changes to some elements of the Stewartfield Way City Deal project and an expansion to include a focus on the town centre.
The second decision means that ownership of the Centre West Shopping Centre will transfer to South Lanarkshire
Council, with that decision finalised towards the end of 2025/beginning of 2026 (see page 2).
It is proposed that the Stewartfield Way project will now be split into two parts, with one still delivering improvements to the transportation infrastructure in East Kilbride, and the other concentrating on taking forward initial works for the redevelopment of the town centre.
Both decisions will now be referred to the council’s Executive Committee for final approval, the Glasgow
City Region Programme Management office will then be asked to approve the Stewartfield Way plans on June 11.