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Jo SwinsonLib Dem MP for East Dunbartonshire |
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An alternative vision of Bishopbriggs town centre is possible
March 13, 2009 5:55 PM
In a meeting between Muse Developments and local elected representatives, attended by Jo Swinson, the company revealed their plans for Bishopbriggs Town Centre. Despite local opposition, the developers propose to demolish the sports hall and build a new Morrisons supermarket and car park in its place.
Although not yet agreed with St Matthew's Church, they also propose to demolish St. Matthew's Church and its hall to make way for new shops and offices, and to rebuild it on the site of the Presbytery, which would also be demolished and rebuilt. The existing Morrisons would be split into retail units, while the Council car park and taxi rank would become a civic space.
Members of the local community have begun putting together their own alternative plans, which will be put to Bishopbriggs Community Council at its meeting at 7pm on Tuesday 17th March at Bishopbriggs Library. The alternative plans propose creating a circular civic space next to the library, with options for retaining the sports hall, as well as new shops and a café.
Commenting, Jo said:
"I found the developer's plans to be uninspiring. Their decision to demolish the sports hall seems to be driven entirely by the desire to build a new massive supermarket, and not driven by the needs of Bishopbriggs. There is no reason why the existing Morrisons could not be extended instead, or a new store built around the sports hall. I emphasised to Muse that members of the community are willing to run the sports hall themselves. The Council will have the final say on the matter, and they are required to make the decision on the basis of the best interests of the community rather than financial implications. I would encourage residents to go along to the Community Council meeting on Tuesday, and also make their views known to their local Councillors."
Sketches of the alternative plans, developed by members of the Community Council and the local community, appear on the right.
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