Town plans for community hub
Excitement over one-stop leisure facilities
Ambitious plans could be put forward for a onestop facility for council, community and leisure services in Shotts.
As part of a Town Centre Action Plan For Shotts, it could mean that a new multi-purpose facility would be in one location in the centre of the town.
The facilities in the building could include the leisure centre, First Stop Shop, library, community centre and other council services.
The idea received a warm reaction for community councillors when the idea in principle was suggested at their meeting last month.
SNP councillor Tommy Cochrane told community councillors the idea was mentioned to him by chief executive Paul Jukes.
And Councillor Cochrane wanted to find out the community’s reaction to the plans.
He said: “I was asked my view on the new facility by the chief executive. The leisure centre is not in great condition and will need to be replaced.
“I wanted to put it to the community council about plans for a community centre, library, First Stop Shop, leisure and other council services in the one building.
“It would cut down on costs, like heating, maintenance and janitorial services.
“The existing community centre building is not fit for purpose.”
It is understood that the new building would be built on land near the existing leisure centre.
Margaret Murphy, community council chairwoman, said she would welcome the new facility for the town.
She added that groups using the existing community centre in Kirk Road could take it over for community use.
There are no detailed plans for the new development.
Des Murray, the council’s assistant chief executive of North Lanarkshire Council, told the Wishaw Press: “We have an ongoing strategy to co-locate our services where that is possible, and we have recently carried out a pilot project in Coatbridge.
“These are long-term strategic goals and will take some time to deliver.
“However, a key task is to create a Town Centre Action Plan for Shotts and we will be progressing this in the short-term to ensure that there is a clear way forward.
“A huge part of that is working with the people of Shotts and we intend to do just that as we plan how services will be delivered in the future.”