Hamilton MP hosts discussions on town centre plans

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Hamilton’s MP welcomed council and business representatives for discussions on the future regeneration of the town centre, and has promised to “keep working to bring in investment to help it thrive”.Imogen Walker met with key figures including Malcolm Thomas-Harley of Hamilton Business Improvement District, Kenneth Martin of Block Architects, council leader Joe Fagan and Hamilton councillor Davie McLachlan, plus South Lanarkshire representatives and Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon – in a session led by Hisashi Kuboyama from Federation of Small Businesses Scotland.They discussed the proposed 15-year masterplan for transforming the town centre, following the council’s announcement 12 months ago of plans to demolish two-thirds of its underused retail space and to construct 450 new houses.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Participants covered topics including retail plans, cultural events and essential transport links, with Ms Walker saying these can “all contribute to the regeneration of Hamilton town centre”.

Sweeping changes in the town centre masterplan would include knocking down both the Regent and New Cross shopping centres – relocating existing retailers with Quarry Street becoming the town’s revamped retail focus – and transforming the two current shopping centre sites into housing.