Shopping centre plan approved

A NEW shopping complex has been given the go-ahead, despite claims that it would impact on a town centre.

Members of the North Lanarkshire Planning Committee unanimously approved plans for a new centre in Westfield, Cumbernauld, which will include brands such as Aldi, Home Bargains, M&S Simply Food and Starbucks.

The £25 million development will create 200 fulltime jobs and around 50 jobs in the construction phase which the developer, L&S Broadwood, hopes will start later this year.

The new neighbourhood centre includes a seven-unit shopping parade, a pub, a drive-thru coffee shop, a petrol station and 600 car parking spaces on a brownfield site in the shadow of Broadwood Stadium.

The new owners of Cumbernauld’s town centre had previously claimed that their plans for a civil revival are under threat because of the rival development.

But Bryan Wilson, development director with L&S Broadwood, said: “We believe this local neighbourhood centre will be a tremendous asset for the people living on the other side of the M80 who have very few local amenities.

“It will give them top high street brands on their doorstep and provide a real focus for their community.

“We hope to have shovels in the ground later this year, with a view to start trading in around 18 months.”