The newly convened Hamilton Town Centre Board has formally begun work to steer a £20 million investment awarded through the UK Government’s Pride in Place programme. Its first meeting took place at Low Parks Museum and set out plans for a town-wide public consultation in August and September to help draw up a 10-year strategy for Hamilton.
Community at the centre of the plan
Board members say the forthcoming engagement will seek views from a wide range of people with a stake in the town: residents, shopkeepers, community groups, students, visitors and employees. The intention is that local opinion will be the primary influence on how the funding is allocated over the next decade.
“While we are of course very appreciative of the council’s support, it’s important to highlight that the Pride in Place Programme is community-led – local people will decide how the money is spent.”
The board agreed to proceed with the public consultation at its inaugural session. The engagement will inform the town’s 10-year vision and the investment plan designed to revitalise Hamilton town centre for the benefit of surrounding communities.
Who is on the board?
The board combines elected members, local residents, representatives of business and community organisations, and political figures. Its membership is intended to reflect a cross-section of the town’s interests.
| Type of member | Representative(s) |
|---|---|
| Councillors | Davie McLachlan, Colin Dewar |
| Local residents | Chioma Gregory, Ian Robertson, Alasdair Irvine |
| Community groups | Catriona Mason (Seniors Together), Gillian McCahon (HIPY) |
| Business / leisure | Tracey Campbell-Hynd, Malcolm Thomas-Harley, Martin Cryans |
| Council officer | Alison Brown |
| Chair & politicians | Ronnie Smith (Chair), Imogen Walker MP, Alex Kerr MSP |
How to have your say
Organisers have confirmed the consultation will run through August and September. Residents will be offered a range of ways to contribute, with the board emphasising that everyone who lives, works, studies or runs a business in Hamilton is invited to participate.
- Timeline: public consultation in August–September
- Objective: develop a 10-year vision and investment plan for Hamilton town centre
- Scope: proposals to guide spending of £20 million over 10 years
Imogen Walker MP said securing the funding was a campaign promise she had pledged to deliver. She urged local people to take part in the consultation so the board can target investment where it will make the most difference.
The board’s next steps will be to finalise consultation arrangements and begin gathering local views that will shape proposals for physical improvements, services and initiatives aimed at strengthening Hamilton’s town centre over the coming decade.
