Hamilton’s new town centre board overseeing the £20 million Pride in Place investment from the UK government has held its first meeting; and will now be launching a wide-scale public consultation over the next two months.
Board members officially convened for the first time at Low Parks museum on Friday, with one of their key decisions being to undertake a consultation during August and September with residents, businesses, community groups, students, tourists and those who work in the town.
People will be invited to share their views and ideas to help shape the 10-year vision and investment plan to transform the town centre through in-person and online opportunities, community group and town centre events and a public Reimagining Hamilton project, “inviting creative ideas to transform” the town.
The 14 board members include local residents Chioma Gregory, Ian Robertson and Alasdair Irvine, and councillors Davie McLachlan and Colin Dewar, whose Hamilton North & East ward includes the town centre.
Joining them are community representatives Catriona Mason of Seniors Together, Gillian McCahon of Hamilton Information Project for Youth, business owner and Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce presidents Tracey Campbell-Hynd, Malcolm Thomas-Harley of Hamilton business improvement district, Martin Cryans of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture and Alison Brown, the council’s head of enterprise and sustainable development.
Completing the Pride in Place panel are Hamilton parliamentarians Imogen Walker MP and Alex Kerr MSP, and independent chair Ronnie Smith.
Mr Smith said: “It’s important to highlight that the Pride in Place Programme is community-led – local people will decide how the money is spent.
“The £20m Pride in Place investment over 10 years is targeted at Hamilton town centre in order to uplift the area for all of the residents in the surrounding communities – a stronger centre will benefit the whole town.”
Ms Walker said: “I promised to bring investment back into the town centre and with £20m from the UK Government, we are making that happen – now it’s over to the people of Hamilton and our brilliant board to make sure every penny is spent where it will make the most difference.”
The Hamilton & Clyde Valley MP added: “There are lots of ways to make sure your voice is heard, and the consultation this summer will be really important.
“Whether you live, work, study or run a business in Hamilton, we want to hear from you – your ideas and experiences will help create a town centre that people are proud of, supports local businesses and works for the whole community for years to come.”
South Lanarkshire head of enterprise and sustainable development Ms Brown said: “The council is delighted to help and support the Pride in Place investment, which will have a significant impact on improving Hamilton town centre.”
The programme’s aims are to “create thriving places” – described as “vibrant neighbourhoods and communities with busy high streets and a good range of local amenities, and public spaces the town is proud of” – and to build communities and empower local people in shaping decisions.
Consultation is due to begin in August, and board members will also benefit from the results of previous public survey work, such as on the Hamilton town centre masterplan.
An initial Pride in Place plan is due to be presented to South Lanarkshire Council in November and then submitted to Westminster’s ministry of housing, communities and local government.
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