"Welcome" discussions surrounding the future of East Kilbride town centre got underway today.
South Lanarkshire Council revealed the local authority has been working on plans which could see significant investment made to the town centre.
The owners of EK, East Kilbride - Sapphire - became insolvent last November, plunging the future of the town centre into uncertainty.
Calling in the administrators followed a series of difficult years for the centre, which has struggled to retain existing, or attract new, businesses to the town.
Details of the council's new plans with financial advisors Scoop Asset Management are yet to be finalised, with more information set to be revealed in August.
Today's news comes after Scoop was appointed asset manager of East Kilbride Shopping Centre in November following the appointment of Blair Nimmo and Alistair McAlinden of Interpath Advisory, as Joint Administrators of the companies which operate the Centre (Sapphire 15 s.a.r.l. and Sapphire 16 s.a.r.l. – together ‘Sapphire’).
Elected members have been informed that the council are working with Scoop and Lanarkshire Live understands further engagement will also take place with local parliamentarians, the local community and retailers.
Council Chief Executive Cleland Sneddon said: “Both ourselves and Scoop recognise the significant challenges East Kilbride town centre, and indeed town centres across the country, are facing.
“However, we believe that there are also exciting opportunities that are available, and we will continue to offer our support to Scoop as we work together to explore the best way forward.”
Mark Hewett, director at Scoop Asset Management, added: "Like many other town centres across the country, East Kilbride has faced a number of challenges as a result of the changing economic and retail landscape. In response we have been working closely with South Lanarkshire Council on positive plans that will pave the way for new investment in the town.
"We look forward to continuing our discussions with the council, and all those with an interest in the future of the town centre, over the coming months."
The Centre remains open with all day-to-day operations unaffected by the administration process under the control of Reith Lambert.
Alistair McAlinden, head of Interpath in Scotland and joint administrator of Sapphire described the link up as a "really positive step forward" both for the local community, and the administration process. He added: "We look forward to seeing the plans unfold over the weeks and months ahead."
Leader of South Lanarkshire Council Joe Fagan previously warned East Kilbride town centre faced "radical decline" unless its fortunes were transformed.
Welcoming today's discussions, Councillor Fagan said: "Welcome discussions have taken place on the future of East Kilbride town centre.
"I have said before that given the scale of the retail crisis and vacancy levels, the centre faces a choice of two futures. It's either radical change or radical decline. We can't accept radical decline. It's time for radical change.
"The master plan was always going to be private sector led as the centre is privately owned and currently in administration. However, the Council should be a willing partner in redevelopment and working hard to get the best outcome for the town as a whole.
"East Kilbride is a sleeping giant in the Scottish economy. Let's stir the giant.
"With the pre-consultation on the new Hairmyres interchange underway and progress towards a master plan on the town centre, I am hope we can get the message out that East Kilbride is back."
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