Landmark in Scotland changes hands to expedite rejuvenation initiatives

In a significant move, North Lanarkshire Council has acquired The Centre Cumbernauld, the heart of Scotland's town of Cumbernauld, marking the beginning of a multi-million pound regeneration programme. This acquisition, announced on Friday 30 June, is part of a broader plan to revitalize the town centre.

Cllr Jim Logue, the council's leader, described this opportunity as a 'once in a lifetime' investment. The regeneration plans aim to transform the town centre's role in the community, making it more sustainable, inclusive, and modern. Cllr Logue envisions Cumbernauld as a vibrant town with integrated local services, repurposed office space, new retail and amenity spaces, excellent transport and digital infrastructure, and homes set in the town centre.

The shopping centre will continue to operate as a shopping mall for a number of years, with a full retail offer remaining in place. However, plans are underway for a new multi-purpose hub that will house facilities such as The Tryst, the library, and offices in the town centre. The masterplan designs for this hub will be reviewed and developed further.

Gatehouse Property Management Limited has been appointed to manage the property on behalf of the council. A robust engagement programme with existing businesses and town centre users will be implemented to ensure key services and facilities can be fully incorporated. The redesign of the town centre will be co-designed based on community needs and demands, with further consultation with the community being a part of the regeneration programme.

The UK Levelling Up Fund provided £9.2m in funding to help with the acquisition and progression of these regeneration plans. However, concerns were raised at the UKREiiF conference in May this year that Levelling Up plans should ideally progress within a two-year timeframe to ensure quick benefits for residents and prevent government funds being poured into long-term projects.

The regeneration plans aim to make Cumbernauld a more sustainable and inclusive town. Heye Jensen, a photographer involved in capturing images for the regeneration project in Cumbernauld, will play a role in documenting this transformation. The wider regeneration plans are expected to take several years to bring to fruition, but the potential for a brighter, more vibrant future for Cumbernauld is evident.