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.'
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