Built in 1967 as part of the new town development, The Centre Cumbernauld is ultimately expected to be replaced with a Town Hub as part of a long-term, multi-million-pound programme. The purchase will mean that the vast majority of the original town centre buildings will be owned by the council.

The redevelopment will not start for a number of years and will take around a decade to complete.

Council-owned facilities such as the Tryst, Library and other offices in the town centre will also be replaced, with facilities transferring to the new state-of-the-art hub as part of the programme.

The new Town Hub will be built as part of the council’s ‘The Place, the Vision’ programme. As part of this programme, the council published draft Town Visions for all the towns in North Lanarkshire in 2020, which have since been the subject of consultation with local people. In Cumbernauld, the new Town Hub will incorporate schools, leisure facilities, office space and a new health centre.

Alongside this would be new retail, town centre homes and amenity spaces, all of which will be connected through active and sustainable travel options.

Councillor Jim Logue, leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The acquisition of The Centre Cumbernauld is an extremely significant part of the town vision for Cumbernauld and would represent a huge step forward in the regeneration of the town.

“While the building represented the future in the 1960s, it is clear that it does not fit with residents’ vision of what they need from a modern town centre. We are absolutely committed to ensuring that Cumbernauld – and all the towns in North Lanarkshire – is a vibrant, living town and our overall investment in town centres, hundreds of millions of pounds, is about ensuring a sustainable future.”

The Centre Cumbernauld will remain open for business while plans are further developed and tenant businesses will be part of an in-depth engagement programme over the coming years to ensure a smooth transition.

The council will embark on a consultation programme with businesses, local communities and stakeholders as part of the project.

Councillor Logue added: “While these plans will have a significant positive impact on Cumbernauld, they will take a number of years to realise. During that time, Cumbernauld remains open for business and the council will support retailers and other businesses throughout to maximise their potential and continue to attract custom.”