AIRDRIE town centre is finally set to bid a long-awaited farewell to the eyesore of the derelict Orrs building after the council confirmed it will be demolished within the next three months.
The local authority’s green-lit plans for an exciting multi-million pound development on the site are also set to be completed by March next year.
This will see 20 new-build flats and two commercial units housed on the blot on the South Bridge Street landscape – which has lain empty for 13 years – with Motherwell firm Wilson Developments Ltd receiving planning permission for demolition and construction work.
North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim Logue said he “couldn’t be happier” with the news demolition of the existing building is scheduled to be completed by mid-May.
Councillor Logue added: “I am absolutely delighted that the council has successfully engaged with a private developer to eventually source a permanent solution to an alternative and acceptable use of the John Orr building.
“For many years, residents in Airdrie regarded this building as iconic but sadly the building has lay vacant for some time and has become a blight on the town centre.
“I’m especially pleased that the proposed redevelopment will see new social housing for the area, alongside a small number of commercial units on the ground floor.
“Such a development is consistent with our aspirations to develop more social housing in town centre areas and will add to the existing developments which are taking place in Broomknoll Street, Graham Street and Hallcraig Street.
“This proposal is the culmination of many years of campaigning for the demolition and repurposing of this building. I couldn’t be happier that progress has finally been made.”
Orrs closed in 2007 and the building was bought by Clyde Valley Housing Association the following year, but the group’s approved plans to create 14 flats plus retail units stalled, while a subsequent potential sale fell through in 2016.
Airdrie MSP Alex Neil has previously campaigned to get the building demolished and welcomed the impending plans for the site.
He said: “I am very much in favour of the redevelopment of the Orrs building site. It has been an eyesore for far too long.
“I have been involved in many attempts to get this building demolished and for new houses and shops to be built in it’s place.
“I very much hope it provides the stimulus to Airdrie town centre that is badly needed.”
