The public consultation exercise, held both online and in-person, found 80% of those who expressed a preference said yes when asked: “Do you support the vision for Hamilton Town Centre as set out in the proposals”.

The proposals include the repurposing of some areas, the introduction of residential properties and new retail opportunities.

The masterplan includes the potential to create new residential blocks suitable for people of all ages and families, some commercial ground floor uses, amenities and car parking.

The 2025/26 council budget also ringfenced £8million to support the delivery of the masterplan activity works, and officers are currently working on proposals for the best use of that funding

Chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see so many people are in favour of the plans that have been set out for Hamilton town centre.

“Since the plans were first revealed there has been a lot of work going on in the background, some of which is commercially sensitive, but as soon as we are able to give updates, we will be sharing them with the wider community.

“On a positive note, there has been other initiatives that we hope will have a positive impact on the town centre. 

“A recent key project was the reopening of Quarry St to traffic, including the ability to park for free for 30 minutes in designated parking bays, and this will now be made permanent.

“A deep clean of the town centre is also planned over the coming weeks and we hope this will help improve and enhance the environment.

“Quarry Place, Quarry Street and Cadzow Street are open for business and will remain as the commercial spine of the town centre and we would encourage you to support the excellent hard-working businesses there.”