New scaffolding planned for building

Scaffolding surrounding a prominent building in Airdrie town centre is to be renewed to improve access to affected businesses and for passing pedestrians.

The existing steelwork is to be removed between tomorrow and Friday, with a new support structure going up in its place next week.

It has been in place around the Graham Street building for months because major repairs are required, including replacing the roof – with the necessary nine-month construction project due to begin early in 2019.

Ground-floor shops Christie’s bakery and Airdrie card shop remain open for business; and North Lanarkshire Council officials say the new scaffolding will“reduce the obstruction for pedestrians and improve visibility”.

They add that the new scaffolding comes as a result of“working with structural engineers to identify a better solution to maintaining the safety of the building while construction works are completed”.

Airdrie South councillor Ian McNeil, who chairs North Lanarkshire Properties, said:“A number of issues have been identified and we have been liaising with, and providing practical support to, the tenants.

“We appreciate the existing scaffolding is causing an obstruction so we have identified a solution that will improve access for pedestrians.

“Building work is then due to start early in the new year to carry out the repairs necessary for the long-term future of the building. In the meantime, it’s business as usual for Christie’s and Airdrie card shop – so I encourage shoppers to support these businesses during the work.”

The Advertiser told in September how family-run Chinese restaurant Li’s, which occupies the upper floors of the Graham Street building, has temporarily closed its doors as a result and is currently operating instead from its takeaway premises in Plains.