Hamilton’s business bosses were this week delighted by the news that the town is to receive a huge cash injection.
We reported last week that almost £8 million is set to transform the town centre.
Derelict buildings will be redeveloped to create new residential and retail spaces in a bid to improve footfall.
Scottish Government funding will help support Hamilton Business Improvement District (BID), Clyde Valley Housing Association and South Lanarkshire Council tackle eyesores.
The former Vogue Cinema and Poundstretcher site and the former Press Buildings in Campbell Street are among the key sites earmarked for improvements.
Hamilton BID chairman Mark Calpin said: “We are delighted to receive funding toward the development of the Vogue cinema, former Brandon Street Poundstretcher and Campbell Street Hamilton Advertiser sites in the town.
“Working with fellow stakeholders we are pleased that we have been successful in obtaining funds to bring much-needed housing into the town centre.
“The development of these vacant properties will help regenerate the town and increase footfall for the town’s business community.
“We were unfortunately unsuccessful in our application to fund the conversion of the Duke Street car park back to pay-on-departure, but the BID will continue to campaign for this change when the council start their public consultation on town centre car parking.”
Council officers whittled down
26 bids to decide which would
receive funding.
In a report for councillors, they said the Hamilton projects represented good value for money and would improve the town centre by removing derelict buildings and providing social housing.
In total, £836,000 of government funding will help deliver £7.8 million of regeneration projects.
Hamilton also made a bid to have Duke Street car park to a pay on exit however this was rejected.
South Lanarkshire Council are currently carrying out a parking review of the area and are awaiting the outcome of this.
