The facility will replace the existing buildings at Old Edinburgh Road which are no longer fit for purpose and will be demolished.

Our fleet of 670 vehicles and plant will be maintained at the site which will have MOT facilities as well as stores, offices and welfare facilities for staff. The facility will also assist in the decarbonisation of the vehicles as the council moves forward with its net zero ambition.

In addition, accommodation will be created for the waste and recycling service.

“The new facilities will allow the council to coordinate all its fleet and waste operations in a modern, purpose-built hub,” said Council Leader Jim Logue.

“Transport is key to the delivery of many services including school buses, bin lorries, street cleaning and grounds maintenance as well as for staff in social work, housing, parks and other areas of council work, so it is important our fleet is maintained and operated effectively.”

The contract to build the new depot has been awarded to Tilbury Douglas Construction Ltd following a competitive tendering process.

As part of the contract, the company will deliver a number of community benefits including: work placements, training and coaching for local people looking for employment; two modern apprenticeships; and work experience, site visits and talks about opportunities in the construction industry for school pupils.

In addition, 80% of the build costs will be spent locally, with opportunities for North Lanarkshire companies to provide sub-contract services, and there will be support for community clean up projects.