East Renfrewshire Council boasts ambitious plans for the “civic realm” or open space in front of Asda and the new Barrhead Foundry.

Last week details were released on a new 50 space car park being constructed at the front of the foundry in an effort to alleviate parking woes.

The report also detailed a £1.1 million investment in the area in front of Asda and the Foundry, which is currently building site wasteland.

Now more information has come to light which reveals that an area could be created for community events, concerts and markets to take place.

East Renfrewshire Councillor Tony Buchannan said there is scope to make the area a community hub.

He said: “There are a number of ways in which it can be improved.

“Obviously it is a real boon that the car park is being reinstated but there is also plans for something like an amphitheatre in the space between Asda and the Barrhead Foundry, where events can be held and there would be space for markets and community events.” It has also been suggested that a permanent Christmas tree could also be installed within the new landscaping project, alleviating years of repeating doubt over whether or not Barrhead would have a tree at all.

Work to connect the civic square in front of Asda and the open spaces in front of the Foundry got under way last week.

A spokeswoman for East Renfrewshire Council told The News: “Work to create new parking spaces outside the Barrhead Foundry will start on Monday, April 13 and last for two weeks.

“This initial work will reinstate approximately 50 places with further work commencing in around May to develop further parking and public space to join up with the Asda development.

“During this time the small car park currently in use at the front of the Barrhead Foundry will be out of use.

“The car park is the second phase of work to start at the Foundry. It will see around £1.1 million being invested in a car park and landscaping work at the front of the building, with an expected finish date of spring 2015.”