The masterplan to regenerate Hamilton town centre is moving forward to the detailed design stage after receiving a funding boost. South Lanarkshire councillors have approved a contribution of £100,000 from the Common Good Fund to enable the development of detailed plans.

Unveiled earlier this year, the masterplan includes repurposing areas, introducing residential properties, and creating new retail opportunities. The New Cross Shopping Centre, returned to council ownership in September 2021 in poor condition, will be closed and demolished to prepare for redevelopment.

This funding ensures that the project reaches the relevant planning stage for applications to national funding programmes from both the UK and Scottish Governments. The Common Good Fund, administered by Scottish local authorities, will support this initiative.

Councillor Lesley McDonald, Chair of the Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, stated, “A report on the Hamilton Town Centre Masterplan was presented to the Executive Committee in February, setting the strategic priorities and investment for the town centre for at least the next 15 years. To meet these aims, pursue all opportunities for Government funding, and compete with other local authorities, developed plans for projects incorporated within the Masterplan need to be in place. I am delighted that colleagues on the committee have agreed to the allocation of Common Good Funding to secure the future of Hamilton town centre, and very much look forward to seeing the detailed plans evolve.”

The masterplan focuses on six key sites:

1. **Regent Street Shopping Centre**: The centre will be removed to create a development site for town centre living. While some buildings may be demolished, retrofitting others, like the former Marks and Spencer building for office space, will be considered.

2. **Former Bairds Building**: Options include retrofitting, demolition and redevelopment, and ‘meanwhile uses’ such as an event and market space during development.

3. **Duke Street Car Park**: Plans include student or hotel accommodation with new parking provision and an active travel corridor to the station.

4. **New Cross Shopping Centre**: This site will be transformed into a residential-led redevelopment with active ground floor uses along Chapel Street.

5. **Former Vogue Bingo Site**: The building could be repurposed into a flexible multipurpose building while retaining the façade.

This comprehensive redevelopment aims to revitalise Hamilton town centre, providing modern facilities and enhanced living spaces for the community.