Kilsyth-based Beattie Demolition has started work on Fleming House, the former office building on Tryst Road.

The demolition is the first step in North Lanarkshire Council’s 15-year plan to completely regenerate the town centre.

The Centre Cumbernauld shopping centre will also be demolished to create a new town hub with education, health, community and leisure facilities, public transport improvements and modern bespoke retail and commercial outlets.

An exhibition showing how the town centre could look through concept designs ran for six weeks in Cumbernauld Library earlier this year and visitors were asked to give their comments on the proposals.

More than 1,600 people visited the consultation pages online, with 263 surveys completed and 438 people discussing the plans with council officers at the library exhibition.

“Fleming House has been a landmark in the town centre for many years, and its demolition signals the start of our plans for the new future for Cumbernauld,” said council leader Councillor Jim Logue.

“Our recent consultation has given us valuable feedback from residents and businesses on what facilities and services are needed. This will inform our detailed designs for the redevelopment over the next few years.

“Thank you to everyone who visited the exhibition and viewed the plans online. This was only the first stage of consultation with more opportunities for local residents to be involved as we develop the Cumbernauld Town Masterplan.”

The majority of people who visited the exhibition and spoke to council officers were supportive of the regeneration plans and wanted a town centre they can be proud of.

Among the points and questions raised were: the impact of any changes to Central Way and the need for ample car parking; a desire for leisure facilities to be retained; what education facilities would be included in the town hub; improved accessibility to public buildings; and support for a town square with green space and opportunities for local events.

There will be no anticipated impact on the surrounding roads and car parks during the demolition, which is expected to be complete by summer 2025.