Residents' survey rates retail and parking as top Bishopbriggs priorities

12.15.06pm GMT Thu 7th Feb 2008

The surveys were delivered to over 9,000 households in Bishopbriggs

Residents in Bishopbriggs believe improved retail and parking facilities should be priorities for the redevelopment of the town centre.

These findings are among the results of a major town centre survey carried out by Jo Swinson, which has been unveiled today. Residents in over 9,000 households in Bishopbriggs were asked for their views on the mix of retail, business space, parking facilities, housing and community facilities in the town centre redevelopment.

Asked to rank their priorities for the town centre, respondents rated retail highest, followed by long-stay car parking. 86% of respondents said that they would like to see a quality food retailer like Marks & Spencer in the town centre. When asked which specific shops they would like to see, Marks & Spencer was the store mentioned more than any other.

Residents expressed a strong desire to keep the existing sports hall in the town centre, with 93% of residents responding that the hall should be retained for community use.

Commenting on the survey results, Jo said:

"With this survey, Bishopbriggs residents have made their views on the town centre clear. They want to see more retail and car parking in the town, as well as retention of community facilities like the sports hall.

"Residents are aspirational about the kind of shops they want to see in the town. Marks & Spencer is clearly a preferred choice, but other shops such as Waitrose, Next and a shoe retailer would also be welcomed. Many also indicated a preference for independent shops to retain the town centre's individual character.

"I have sent copies of the survey results to East Dunbartonshire Council, developers Muse, various retailers and property companies. I am very encouraged by the level of community engagement with the town centre survey, which shows how strongly people in Bishopbriggs care about what happens to the town centre. Both planners and developers must consult closely with residents on an ongoing basis, to get the right result for Bishopbriggs."

Related Link:

Read the full Bishopbriggs town centre report