Farewell to Palacerigg Visitor Centre

The matter came to light last week when our online readers expressed their own fears about the future of the facility which is overseen by North Lanarkshire Council’s leisure wing.

Many expressed sorrow that the parkland would simply go to seed after losing both the animal collection and now the centre – the closure of which was announced in February

However, the council has insisted it has big plans for Palacerigg, which will unexpectely involve moving facilities to an adjacent site which it also oversees.

A council spokesperson said: “A consultation was held last year as part of the development of a masterplan for Palacerigg and work is ongoing to deliver the outcomes.

“This is designed to give Palacerigg a new future, creating an attractive facility which meets the needs and aspirations of local people and visitors for years to come.

“A key outcome of the masterplan highlighted the duplication of facilities at the golf club and visitor centre, so although the visitor centre has closed, toilets and a café will be available at the golf club. The new play area, which is closer to the golf club facilities, will remain.

“We continue to work with a group interested in having animals at the park and we are actively working with third sector organisations on alternative uses for the visitor centre as another attraction.”

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