Antonine becomes surprise ally for council regeneration plans

Bridges Antonine LLP has welcomed the council’s Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan, which outlines proposals for social housing, town centre regeneration and repopulation, support for businesses and connectivity.

The latest report on the initiative confirmed plans to invest in town centre, community hubs, parks and public transport.

Consultations on the proposals will take place during summer.

Tom Tyler, of Bridges, said: “We welcome any initiatives that bring regeneration to Cumbernauld and, in particular, the proposals which encourage repopulation and the introduction of mixed-use centres which support shops and increase the general activity in and around town centres.

“While the report at the moment has no specific or detailed proposals for Cumbernauld, we are keen to work with councillors, officials and other stakeholders in the consultation process and look forward to hearing the results of any feasibility and design studies .

The statement will raise eyebrows as the Antonine Centre owners recently won a Court of Session case against the council after it granted planning permission for major expansion at Westway Retail Park when Lord Burns found the council had mishandled the planning process.

Bridges fought the decision because it said the Westway park would produce a “devastating” impact on the town centre.

A council spokesperson said: “A key priority of the council’s programme is investment in the redevelopment of town centres and communities which aims to reverse the decline of the high street and create vibrant mixed use centres with housing and jobs.

“We’ll work with the private and public sectors to deliver our ambitions, which intend to improve the quality of life for our residents and make North Lanarkshire the place to live, work, learn, invest and visit.”

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