Lanark Lanimer Committee are now in the final stages of negotiating a long-term lease for the workshop, which will be available for use all year round by a range of groups and organisations operating in Lanark and the wider area.

The workshop will support activities and events which have a significant economic impact on Lanark and support local businesses by highlighting the town’s appeal and promoting it as a destination.

Chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, said: “This is an important project for Lanark and the Clydesdale area and I am very pleased to see it move forward.

“Further benefits will include volunteering opportunities, skills development, and intergenerational learning, all of which will have a positive impact on local residents’ health and wellbeing, life and employment skills.”

The development of the Lanark Community Workshop has secured planning permission for a location close to the existing car park and has been made possible because of a Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund award.

This was originally secured by the council in 2016 to develop a Clydesdale Rural Development Centre. The award would have seen the development of new community and business space together with a community shed, however the project could not be delivered. The council has explored several options but, until recently, had been unable to identify a suitable alternative site.

The Lanark Racecourse Masterplan, developed following extensive local consultation, prioritised the development of new facilities. The proposed site, adjacent to the Lanark Moor Country Park car park, at the gateway to Lanark  Racecourse has been identified as the best location for this new community asset in Lanark, complimenting the Masterplan.  

Councillor Brown added: “The council is disappointed that, despite our best efforts, increased construction costs mean that the community and business space, and the community workshop, cannot both be delivered as originally planned.

“Despite this the council remains committed to fully working with the community to achieve wider outcomes set out in plans, as part of the Lanark Vision and Racecourse Masterplan, including exploring options to develop and enhance business and enterprise resources and capacity in Lanark.” 

Lanark Lanimer Committee brings together community and business interests in an annual celebration to celebrate local, and Scottish culture.  

The photo above shows the location where the new workshop will be located.