QUESTIONS have been raised over plans to revamp Drumchapel’s shopping centre which never materialised.

Glasgow City Council unveiled its bid to transform the area surrounding Dunkenny Square some 15 years ago, with new residential areas, a civic hub and retail units all included in the package.

It was also thought part of the square would be demolished to make way for the new projects and, while some of the square was levelled, certain buildings have remained vacant since the “master plan” was revealed in 2006.

A large new health centre, which was also part of the design, was erected on Kinfauns Drive, however, the majority of the area has remained untouched over the last decade.

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The council maintains several new buildings which would have been part of the civic hub, such as the new community centre and police station, have been built in the scheme albeit in different locations.

Blairdardie and Old Drumchapel Community Council have now pondered what happened after the plans seemingly “evaporated”.

Eric Flack, a community council member, said: “Much of the area is derelict now.

“I don’t know if it will ever happen.

“We certainly don’t know what happened [to the plans] it just seems to have gone into hyperspace, like so many things.”

Glasgow Times:

The shopping centre is mostly made up of take away units, betting shops and a pub.

B&M and Farmfoods also have units at the site, with the latter being erected on the land which was initially earmarked for the civic hub.

TSB Bank was a staple of the centre for several years until its closure in June 2021 due to a lack of customers using the facility.

Community councillors and residents alike are calling for the council to commit to redeveloping the area and bringing in some of the big name retailers which the scheme has seen in recent years.

The popular Great Western Road retail park, which is found just yards away from the centre, has recently added a McDonald’s, KFC and Starbucks to its list of retailers.

Meanwhile, Aldi opened its highly-awaited brand new store back in 2017 on Duntreath Avenue.

However, as the shopping centre itself is private land, the local authority’s hands are tied when it comes to who takes over the units.

Councillor Paul Carey said he had “pushed” for the initiative back in 2006 but the 2008 financial crash had played a part in the plans being shelved.

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A council spokesperson said: “Drumchapel has been identified as one of six priority areas in the city for the creation of a new community hub, which is hoped will help to revitalise the area.

“As part of this work we are also undertaking a thorough review of the assets in the community and how these can be incorporated into a plan focused on creating a thriving Drumchapel.

“This is a longer term piece of work but will see partner organisations and the community involved in the work to develop a viable vision for Drumchapel.

“We have engaged with the operators of the shopping centre on what can be done to improve the area around Dunkenny Square and we are happy to continue doing so.”