Councillors at the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee heard updates on a number of sites which are crucial to the town centre masterplan.

The Regent Shopping Centre has been sold, and the purchaser is committed to working with the council to deliver the masterplan vision and officers remain in positive dialogue with the new owner.

Work is currently underway with regards the New Cross Shopping Centre, looking at the next stage of design development, demolition and potential disposal.

The sale of the former Bairds building is in its final stages.

Options to look at the redevelopment of Duke Street Car Park will be progressed in line with the masterplan proposals.

With regards the former Vogue Bingo site, following detailed surveys which recommend demolition, a dangerous building notice has been served. The council are progressing the appropriate approvals to demolish.

A total of £100,000 has been allocated from the Common Good fund to progress the Hamilton Town Square project to the next phase.

An 18-month trial reopening Quarry Street to traffic has been deemed a success and the road will now remain open.

Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “It’s fantastic news that so many elements which are vital to the delivery of the Hamilton Town Centre masterplan are coming together.

“There is of course still a tremendous amount of work to be done but officers should be commended for the work they have done to get it to this stage.

“The masterplan is a bold and exciting proposal that would totally transform the look and atmosphere of Hamilton town centre.

“It is a unique opportunity to deliver transformational change to the town centre.

“This approach is consistent with that being proposed across the country and I believe it is key to revitalising the whole town centre area.”