Work being done in Barrhead to regenerate the town centre has been highlighted by a ScottishGovernment minister.

Local government and planning minister Derek Mackay was in the town to launch the Government’s Town Centre First Principle.

It is the second visit in two weeks by the politician, who earlier heard firsthand what’s being done to breathe new life into town centre.

Mr Mackay was so impressed by what he saw in Barrhead, he chose the town to showcase as an example of a council putting town centres first.

During the visit, last Wednseday, he saw where some of the £80 million East Renfrewshire Council-led investment has been taking place.

The highlights include the council headquarters and health and care centre on Main Street, the new £3.8 million Barrhead Foundry, due to open in January, and the street furniture improvements made to brighten up the main thoroughfares.

Work is nearing completion on the new Asda super store next to Barrhead Foundry.

The council has been working with Asda to recruit up to 200 local people. Convener for infrastructure and sustainable growth Councillor Tony Buchanan said: “Barrhead is the perfect example of town centre regeneration in action.

“There has been £80 million of East Renfrewshire Council-led regeneration in Barrhead town centre in recent years.

“The council built its second major HQ in Main Street, bringing jobs to the town, the first community health and care partnership HQ in Scotland is alongside it in the heart of the community, and there has been investment in improving the look of the main shopping areas, attracting both the public and business.

“East Renfrewshire Council fully appreciates the difficulties facing towns and we have always been very proactive in our approach to supporting town centres.

As well as the major masterplan developments in Barrhead, we have Business Improvement Districts in Clarkston and Giffnock, are developing a BID for Barrhead, we have Scotland’s first renaissance town project in Neilston and other town centre partnerships across the entire council area.” Mr Mackay said it was encouraging to see East Renfrewshire Council recognising how important town centre regeneration is. “Our town centres should be vibrant, attractive and safe places where local people want to spend their time and money,” he said.

“The Scottish Government made a commitment to recognise and prioritise the importance of town centres in our Town Centre Action Plan last year, and we are taking this one step further by introducing the Town Centre First Principle, and asking all public bodies to sign up.” During his walkabout along Barrhead Main Street, Mr Mackay also met local residents and traders, such as the staff at Cafe 158 where he called in for a coffee.