- It is proposed that the existing former council chambers and conference room will be retained as office space which will be managed, maintained, and used by the Council.
- Former Police Wing on Muiryhall Street - It is proposed within the feasibility report that the elevation on Muiryhall Street and the east-facing wall are retained along with the landmark chimney currently rising above the wing, and a new structure built behind which will create accessible dual aspect two-bedroom flats with a new stair core and a new roof above. However, due to the high costs involved in the conversion of this wing it is proposed that further discussion should take place with Historic Environment Scotland regarding the viability of retaining this part of the building. If it proved unviable to retain that part of the building, it would still be the intention to use the area concerned for housing for social rent.
- Newer Wing on Kildonan Street - A full refurbishment of the Modern Extension retaining the existing circulation core can provide more accessible single aspect two-bedroom flats.
- New Build - additional housing units, external to the current building, are proposed along the Eastern boundary.
The Council expects that the redevelopment will commence in 2023 and finish by 2026.
The Council believes the conversion of the Municipal Buildings has a number of benefits:
- The conversion of the Municipal Building will provide affordable housing and help meet housing need in the Local Area;
- The conversion of the Municipal Buildings will preserve an important part of the heritage of Coatbridge; and
- The conversion of the Municipal Buildings for residential use is more sustainable than demolition and new build. Any future works contract will ensure that the impact on the Council’s carbon footprint is mitigated.
Consultation
Section 104 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 requires the Council to consult local communities when considering disposing or changing the use of Common Good assets. This includes where the proposal is to use a Common Good asset for another purpose. Therefore, the consultation is seeking the views of the community in respect of the proposals in order to inform the decision-making process.
Key questions
- What are your views on the proposed change of use of Kildonan Street?
- Do you have any views on the potential benefits of the proposals?
- Do you have any issues or concerns arising from the proposals?
- Do you have any additional comments?
The Council will take all representations into account in reaching a decision.
Depending on the representations received the possible outcomes are:
- The proposal goes ahead subject to consent by the Court of Session.
- The proposal is amended significantly, and a fresh consultation takes place.
- The proposal does not go ahead.
Representations
Consultation closing date - Friday 23 July 2021
Please submit written representations to:
Email: CommunityMatters@northlan.gov.uk
Post: FAO Christine Boyle, Civic Square, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell, ML1 1AB
All representations received will be published on the Council’s website.
Additional information
The Council have a statutory obligation to seek court consent before disposing of Common Good land which may be ‘inalienable’. The Council considers that the property and site at Kildonan Street falls within that category.
If after this consultation, the proposal progresses to a court application the public will have a further opportunity to make representations within the Court process. A statutory advertisement will be placed in the Coatbridge and Airdrie Advertiser to inform the local public that the court process has been commenced.