CUMBERNAULD’S controversial town centre is set to be flattened and redeveloped, it has emerged.
The brutalist centre of the new town was first opened in 1967 – but its time looks to be coming to an end as North Lanarkshire Council has agreed a deal in principle to purchase it from its private owners.
The Labour-led council expects the centre to be replaced with a Town Hub as part of a multi-million-pound programme. This hub will include schools, leisure facilities, a health centre and office spaces.
An artist's rendering of what the new town centre will look like
However, this redevelopment is not set to start for a few years, and the actual project will take around a decade to be completed.
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Other council-owned buildings in Cumbernauld – including the Tryst, Library and other offices – will also be replaced.
Councillor Jim Logue, leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The acquisition of The Centre Cumbernauld is an extremely significant part of the town vision for Cumbernauld and would represent a huge step forward in the regeneration of the town.
An artist's rendering of the new building
“While the building represented the future in the 1960s, it is clear that it does not fit with residents’ vision of what they need from a modern town centre. We are absolutely committed to ensuring that Cumbernauld – and all the towns in North Lanarkshire – is a vibrant, living town and our overall investment in town centres, hundreds of millions of pounds, is about ensuring a sustainable future.”
Logue added: “While these plans will have a significant positive impact on Cumbernauld, they will take a number of years to realise. During that time, Cumbernauld remains open for business and the council will support retailers and other businesses throughout to maximise their potential and continue to attract custom.”
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