THE cost of the Aurs Road project, which will create a safer route between Barrhead and Newton Mearns, has risen to a projected £28 million following challenges on site, East Renfrewshire Council has announced.
Initially anticipated to cost £22.68 million, the local authority said that the majority of funding is already in place but a £4.3 million is required – with councillors being asked to approve an increased budget to meet the shortfall.
The council added that the project, which is being led by GRAHAM, is set to be completed in Spring 2026, with a range of factors impacting its timescale – including challenging ground conditions, moving unmapped utilities, and the excavation of a former water works structure, as well as an area of subsidence being identified which required part of the scheme to be redesigned.
If the increased budget is approved by councillors, the project would be funded as follows – Scottish and UK governments, £11.8 million (42%); Sustrans, £8.6 million (31%); East Renfrewshire Council, £6.1 million (22%); and developer contributions, £1.4 million (5%).
Whilst the shortfall is estimated at £4.3 million, councillors will be asked to approve a sum of up to £6.9m to allow for variances in cost estimates. The council’s maximum contribution to the completion of the new Aurs Road, promenade and associated active travel route is £8.7 million.
Caitriona McAuley, director of environment at East Renfrewshire Council, said, “The Aurs Road improvement project is a critical part of East Renfrewshire’s City Deal programme. The focus remains on completing this project as soon as possible and continuing to manage the costs through regular and sustained scrutiny. While the project has taken longer than expected and costs have increased, these much-needed improvements will be worthwhile in the long-term, providing better transport links and an impressive waterside promenade to benefit local communities.
“The delays and increasing budget requirements are challenging, however, now the revised designs are in place, the project is anticipated to move forward to completion within the estimated cost which has been set out. We appreciate residents’ patience during this project and are now looking forward to itprogressing towards completion.”
Work to create a safer, straighter road with a new active travel route and waterside promenade overlooking Balgray Reservoir is progressing well. The update report highlights that 88% of the promenade wall has been completed, two new bridges are in place, part of the road surface is now laid, and a new roundabout junction under way.
