The UK Government announced today that Hamilton town centre would be among 14 areas across Scotland that would each receive up to £20 million over 10 years to fund renewal projects to improve communities and support local growth.

The decision followed a process through which the council was asked to provide information on Westminster constituencies in South Lanarkshire, based on a list of areas of multiple deprivation supplied by the UK government.

Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “This additional funding is hugely welcome. While we made the case for funding for a number of other parts of South Lanarkshire, there is no doubt this has the potential to make a real difference for all the communities that are served by Hamilton town centre. We will now work with those communities to ensure we get the best possible results.

“We already have very ambitious plans, funded through an initial £8 million of council money, in our Hamilton Town Centre Masterplan. This Pride in Place investment adds to our confidence that we can deliver a better future for Hamilton town centre and all our residents who live, work and shop in the Hamilton area."

The council also has a masterplan for East Kilbride, as well as plans for other towns and villages across South Lanarkshire.

The Pride in Place fund will provide up to £2m for Hamilton town centre every year for a decade.