New vision for Hamilton town centre revealed
South Lanarkshire Council unveils a masterplan for new-look Hamilton
Major changes to Hamilton Town Centre are being proposed by South Lanarkshire Council.
A masterplan for the town centre has been developed by the local authority, it includes the repurposing of some areas, the introduction of residential properties and new retail opportunities.
Plans also include the potential to create new residential blocks with the potential to provide around 450 homes with around 20 per cent earmarked for social housing.
Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “This is a bold and exciting proposal that would totally transform the look and atmosphere of Hamilton town centre.
Local opinions
“There is of course still a long way to go, and we want to hear what local residents think of these initial proposals. There will be consultations around the wider and specific parts of the proposals and these will be widely publicised to give as many people as possible the chance to put forward their views.
“The development of the masterplan is a unique opportunity to deliver transformational change to the town centre.
“This approach is consistent with that being proposed across the country and I believe it is key to revitalising the whole town centre area.”
Six development sites
The masterplan looks at six prime sites and the potential for changes to be made to them.
The plan for the Regent Street shopping centre area would be to remove the centre and create a development site for town centre living.
Some buildings may need to be demolished, but the option to retrofit others, such as the former Marks and Spencer building to provide office space, would be explored.
There are also options for the former Bairds building including a retrofit of the building, demolition and redevelopment.
The masterplan proposes that the current New Cross Shopping Centre would be transformed into a residential led redevelopment with active ground floor uses along the line of Chapel Street.
And the former Vogue Bingo site would be repurposed into a flexible multipurpose building, while retaining the building facade.
The masterplan will be discussed at the council’s Executive Committee meeting next Wednesday (February 21).