A demolition contractor will begin work in the new year which is crucial to the overall town centre masterplan.

The demolition of Centre West will create a new council-owned development site in the town centre. Under current plans shared with the public, this will enable between 250-300 new homes to be developed, with 25% retained for social housing.

A new Civic Hub building which will provide a range of community, arts and leisure facilities, including arts venue/performance space will also be developed.

And a new Civic Square and streetscape improvement works will enhance the physical fabric, vibrancy and “feel” of the town centre, delivering a high-quality urban environment. There will also be scope for brand new retail space or ground floor units.

The redevelopment of Centre West is only one part of the Masterplan which also includes a new supermarket, hotel, new leisure opportunities and investment in the Malls.

Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “The aim of the Masterplan is clear – to provide a vibrant, new heart of East Kilbride that everyone who lives in or visits the town can be proud of. I always said East Kilbride faces a choice of two futures – radical change or radical decline.

“We chose radical change and now we can get on with building a better future for the town.

“I’m delighted with how things are progressing and the positive impact the changes will have on the town centre.”