Annual performance spotlights

Connect outcome - Our economy

Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres

What communities told us:

people need to be able to access training and skills to help them get into a job or to progress in their employment
transport links can be a problem for employment, particularly in rural areas
support is needed for local small businesses and town centres need help to recover from the pandemic

What will success look like:

more people in employment and economically active
reduced poverty and household debt
increased value of spend with local businesses
increased number of living wage employers in South Lanarkshire

Case study: Town centre masterplans

Across both towns, the masterplans aim to create vibrant town centres that reflect changing retail patterns and support long-term regeneration.

Transforming Hamilton Town Centre for the future

Progress is being made on the Hamilton Town Centre Masterplan, a long-term vision to transform the area into a more vibrant, sustainable place to live, work and visit.

The plan focuses on repurposing underused sites, supporting town centre living and improving public spaces to reflect changing use of town centres.

Key sites are moving forward, including the sale of the Regent Shopping Centre, ongoing work at New Cross, the sale of the former Baird’s building, and redevelopment options for Duke Street car park.

This is supported by the Pride in Place Programme, which could bring up to £20 million investment over the next decade, with a local board working alongside communities to help shape and deliver improvements.

Further steps include the demolition of the former Vogue Bingo site, £100,000 investment in the Town Square project, and the permanent reopening of Quarry Street.

Together, these actions mark strong progress towards revitalising Hamilton town centre and supporting long-term growth.

Masterplan for Hamilton Town Centre taking shape

Radical transformation for East Kilbride Town Centre

Work is progressing on the East Kilbride Town Centre Masterplan to create a more vibrant and sustainable town centre.

A key milestone is the transfer of Centre West to council ownership, enabling demolition and the creation of a major town centre development site.

Plans for the site include 250–300 new homes, with 25% for social housing, alongside a new Civic Hub providing community, arts and leisure facilities.

A new Civic Square and wider public realm improvements will enhance the town centre’s look and accessibility, alongside opportunities for new retail, a supermarket, hotel and leisure uses.

Together, these changes will create a new civic heart for East Kilbride, supporting regeneration and responding to changing retail trends.

Next stage of masterplan now underway