Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Minister gets latest chapter in library conversion story
Housing minister Kevin Stewart heard the story of Coatbridge library’s conversion as he paid a visit to the building’s newly-converted flats.
The MSP was invited to see the Academy Street landmark’s transformation into 12 social housing properties by Holyrood colleague Fulton MacGregor, the town’s constituency representative.
Since the town’s library relocated to the Buchanan Centre in 2010, the historic Carnegie building had lain empty until construction work began in January 2017 to give it a new lease of life as flats for Clyde Valley Housing Association.
The Advertiser told last month how conversion of the B-listed, century-old building is nearly complete, with its owners planning open days for the public ahead of the first residents moving in.
Both politicians were shown around on their tour by representatives of main contractors Project Management and Construction, and senior architect Matthew Holloway.
Coatbridge MSP Mr MacGregor said: “The tour brought back so many fond memories of my childhood, much of which was spent in this library.
“Many of the original features have been retained and it will be a wonderful place to live for the people who move here when it’s ready.
“The work that has been done is incredible, creating modern living space while maintaining the original character of this prestigious building, adored by so many; and I’m pleased that the minister accepted my invitation to see its great transformation.”