For, councillors have agreed to a contribution of £100,000 from the Common Good Fund to enable detailed plans to progress.

The cash boost will ensure a project at the relevant planning stage – as required by both the UK and Scottish Governments – for applications to national funding programmes to be made. 

The Common Good is a fund of money and/or assets administered by a Scottish local authority (in respect of each of its former burghs) separately from other council assets.

At a meeting of the Finance and Corporate Resources committee on 21 May, members approved the request for the cash, from the £495,000 fund currently held by the council.

Explained Councillor Lesley McDonald, Chair of the committee: “A report on the Hamilton Town Centre Masterplan was presented to the Executive Committee in February, setting the strategic priorities and investment for the town centre for at least the next 15 years. 

“To meet these aims, pursue all opportunities for Government funding, and compete with other local authorities, developed plans for projects incorporated within the Masterplan need to be in place.

“I am delighted that colleagues on the committee have agreed to the allocation of Common Good Funding to secure the future of Hamilton town centre, and very much look forward to seeing the detailed plans evolve.”