EAST Renfrewshire has been handed a multi-million pound boost after ambitious plans for major infrastructure projects reached a new milestone.

A £250million funding package for the Glasgow City Region Deal has been confirmed in a bid to support jobs and businesses by helping to kick-start the area’s post Covid-19 economic recovery.

Projects that will take place in East Renfrewshire as part of the City Deal programme include a new train station for the Auchenback area of Barrhead, improvements to the road network between Barrhead and Newton Mearns and new attractions at Dams to Darnley Country Park in an effort to attract more tourists with its visitor centre, promenade and watersports facilities.

The funding forms part of the £1.13billion UK and Scottish Government-funded City Deal, with eight councils – East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire – benefitting from the cash.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, leader of East Renfrewshire Council, told the Barrhead News: “This confirmation of funding is welcome news for supporting East Renfrewshire’s economy post Covid-19, enabling us to improve transport links, support business development, increase leisure opportunities and create jobs.

“The City Deal investment has already enabled business opportunities and job creation through the construction of The Greenlaw Works – a new business centre at Greenlaw, in Newton Mearns – and commercial units at Crossmill Business Park, in Barrhead.

“Future plans are underway to improve the road network between Barrhead and Newton Mearns, enable residential development, create a new train station in Barrhead and enhance tourism at Dams to Darnley Country Park.”

The City Deal update was prompted by formal confirmation to the eight member councils of their successful Gateway Review – the first of three reviews over the 20-year period of the City Deal which unlock funding for key infrastructure projects.

The review, carried out by an independent company, recognised significant successes across the City Deal region to date and commended the partners for their focus on delivering inclusive economic growth.

Despite confirmation of funding for the City Deal, there is still no start date for work on Barrhead’s new train station – and, when it does get underway, it will take 18 months to complete.

It is hoped the station could attract 500,000 passengers a year.