We hosted an exhibition in Cumbernauld Library between 26 August and 5 October 2024 to show residents and businesses how the town centre could look through draft images, as well as outlining the history of the town.
During the exhibition, we spoke to 439 people, received 263 survey responses and our webpages received more than 1,600 views.
The tables below provide a summary of the key questions arising during from the public and the latest position on these points raised:
| Question | Response |
|---|---|
| Will the Tryst be located within the Town Hub and will the swimming pool be retained/replaced? | The concept designs show a proposed Town Hub which could contain a leisure zone. The construction of the Town Hub is still several years away and will be subject to public consultation as the project progresses and detailed designs are considered. |
| Which school(s) will be located within the Town Hub? | It is likely that the Town hub would contain learning and teaching facilities. The Town Hub would sit within the catchment areas for both Our Lady’s High School and St Mary’s Primary School and as such these could be considered for relocation. Any change of location for any school is subject to statutory consultations, and as such, no firm commitments could be given on which schools would be included, until such proposals were considered, discussed, and approved. |
| Question | Response |
|---|---|
| If design 1 progresses and Central Way is removed, where would the traffic flow? | Transport modelling is currently being undertaken to assess the impact on surrounding roads, if Central Way was to be removed. Design 1 is only a potential idea at this stage and is not final. Design 2 is an alternative which shows Central Way retained, albeit reimagined with a design intended to slow traffic speeds to allow for the safer movement of people. |
| If design 2 progresses and Central Way is reduced to a single carriageway, what impact would this have on traffic flows through the town and would there be increased congestion | Transport modelling is currently being undertaken to assess the impact of reimagining Central Way into a Boulevard which prioritises the movement of people within the town centre, rather than prioritising the movement of cars and heavy goods vehicles. |
| Question | Response |
|---|---|
| Why is the project taking so long to progress? | This is a complex project with multiple acquisitions, demolitions, designs, consultations, permissions and builds to be completed. The Centre Cumbernauld cannot simply be demolished quickly. There are over 100 business tenants, charities, community groups and faith groups still operating within The Centre with active lease agreements. The Centre will be demolished in two stages. Stage 1 demolition is scheduled to commence in 2027 and Stage 2 is likely to commence between 2031 and 2033. Other developments are also progressing within the town centre. The demolition of Fleming House has commenced and is programmed to be complete by Summer 2025. |
| Question | Response |
|---|---|
| Is there funding in place to support these plans? | North Lanarkshire Council was awarded £9.25 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. This was used to acquire The Centre in June 2023. North Lanarkshire Council is committed to the demolition of The Centre and the construction of a Town Hub. The demolition will be funded by North Lanarkshire Council. Funding has been allocated to this via the council’s capital programme. The build of the Town Hub will be funded via a future council capital programme, subject to approval. Other developments within the town centre may be completed via the private sector or through joint ventures between the public and private sectors. |
Based on the face-to-face interactions with Council officers, almost all visitors to the exhibition were supportive of the demolition of The Centre progressing. Residents appear keen to see Cumbernauld town centre transformed and have any negative images of the town removed. Residents want a town centre they can be proud of.
Most people were also supportive of the initial design ideas and illustrative images that were on display showing a new Town Hub, Boulevard and Town Square.
Opinions differed on the finish of the buildings. Some people liked the designs shown for the Town Hub whereas others were not keen on the external appearance. However, it was highlighted that these images are purely aspirational examples of what could be achieved, and final designs would come much later in the process with future consultations specific to designs where people will get a chance to have their say.
Check back here for more details of future consultation events once these are announced.
Page last updated:
15 Jan 2025