24-point plan is revealed by SLC

Here are the 24 points in the council’s plan and the anticipated timescale:

1. Town centre: Consult on the Strategy and Action Plan (3 months).

2. Townhead Street: Town Hotel and 37-41, Develop derelict properties which require investment and redevelopment (1-2 years).

3. Castle Street Units: Fit out shop units and provide dedicated business support (1 year).

4. Former Bairds unit: Alternative use to be explored, with the aim of redevelopment and long-term occupation of a“prominent gateway site”to the town centre (12-18 months).

5. 18-22 Quarry Street: Regenerate derelict area of land which is“unsightly and detracting”from the surrounding area (12-18 months).

6. Streetscape Review: Carry out an audit to identify any local improvements in key spaces to enhance town centre function and appeal (1-2 years).

7. Wifi: Install free Wifi network to ensure provision for all town centre users (3 months).

8. Townhead Street: Bring disused area back into active use (1-2 years).

9. Campbell Street: Extend streetscape to provide an external seating area for local bars and restaurants to add to the “cafe culture”(1-2 years).

10. Gateway Site: Bring large-scale investment to key edge of centre site (3-5 years).

11. Salvation Army: Bring disused building in an under performing area back into use (2-3 years).

12. Vogue: Bring disused property in an under performing area back into use. Consider options for development including residences (2-3 years).

13. Former Hamilton Advertiser building: Consider options for the potential development site (2-3 years).

14. Hamilton Towers: Improve area and reinforce links between the traditional town centre and Palace Grounds. Create“an iconic gateway building”(3-5 years).

15. Parking: Introduce alternative payment methods, open Quarry Street to allow access and short-term parking and improved signage/information (12-18 months).

16. Review town centre accessibility by car: Consider whether the current road layout and traffic management is suitable for the needs of the town centre and users (12-18 months).

17. Signage: Improve the information, directional and statutory signage in the town to make it as user-friendly as possible (TBC).

18. Reintroduction of traffic to Quarry Street: Reintroduce traffic in a controlled manner to Quarry Street to support businesses through improved accessibility (6-9 months).

19. Public transport: Review public transport to and around the town (Ongoing).

20. Healthy High Streets: Support the Healthy High Street programme, and encourage active travel, positive town centre environment and business trading (Ongoing).

21. Festive sponsorship: Explore alternative funding models and the potential for a sponsorship arrangement to deliver festive events (TBC).

22. Shape future vision through young people engagement: (12 months).

23. Manage third-party use of public spaces: Monitor the number and frequency of collectors, and prevent an overuse of the town centre by “inappropriate activity”(ongoing).

24. Promote the town centre: Promote town centre at other key attractions such as the race course and Chatelherault to increase footfall (Ongoing).