Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Laura Pollock

Scottish council approves £1.7 billion 'to revitalise towns'

A SCOTTISH council has agreed its biggest-ever capital investment programme to revitalise towns, schools, housing, roads, and community facilities.

North Lanarkshire is set to commit £1.685 billion over the next five-years with the aim to attract new businesses and investment into the area.

Councillor Jim Logue, leader of the council, hailed the investment as a “transformational step” to improve infrastructure and town centres.

“This level of record-breaking funding is a transformational step to reshape North Lanarkshire and is like no other in Scotland,” said Logue. “We are ensuring that our communities benefit from high-quality schools, improved transport links and revitalised town centres, making North Lanarkshire the place to live, learn, work, invest and visit.”

The Strategic Capital Investment Programme 2024/25 to 2028/29 report was presented to councillors at a policy and strategy committee meeting earlier this week, and outlines key aims the council is seeking execute.

The investment plan includes:

  • £347 million for new town and community hubs, towards new projects in Abronhill, Glenboig and Ravenscraig
  • £41m to improve schools, cultural spaces and leisure facilities, including a strategic review of swimming pools
  • £95m for city deal infrastructure, including the East Airdrie Link Road
  • £45m for town centre regeneration, with a focus on redeveloping Cumbernauld
  • £37m to improve roads, bridges and flood defences
  • £18m for parks, including the redevelopment of Strathclyde Park Watersports Centre
  • £23m for digital and business system upgrades
  • £13m to support local community boards and community asset transfers

A key part of the investment programme is the Community Investment Fund (CIF), which has allowed the council to unlock additional funding for local regeneration.

The fund is supported by a proportion of council tax increases.

The council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme will also see a further £829m invested in existing and new housing stock over the next five years.

Logue added: “This programme reflects our ambition to grow North Lanarkshire’s economy.

“We are creating thriving schools, stronger businesses, and well-connected communities. The Community Investment Fund plays a vital role in ensuring we can continue to deliver these improvements, providing a sustainable way to invest in our future.

“This is about long-term sustainability. We are laying the foundations for future generations while creating jobs and boosting local businesses today.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.