Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
ORRS-SOME
Eyesore to make way for new flats and shops
The eyesore that is the derelict Orrs building in Airdrie town centre is to finally be resolved – after the council green-lit plans for an exciting multi-million pound development on the site.
Twenty new-build flats and two commercial units are in the pipeline for the blot on the South Bridge Street landscape – which has lain empty for 13 years – with Motherwell firm Wilson Developments Ltd receiving planning permission for demolition and construction work.
News of the development “delighted” North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim Logue and has also been welcomed by Airdrie’s parliamentarians.
The eyesore that is the derelict Orrs building in Airdrie town centre is to finally be resolved – after the council greenlit plans for a £3.2 million development on the site.
Twenty new-build flats and two commercial units are in the pipeline for the South Bridge Street blot on the landscape – which has been empty for 13 years – with Wilson Developments Ltd receiving planning permission for demolition and construction work.
The news has been welcomed by North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim Logue and Airdrie’s parliamentarians.
The local authority has committed to buying the newbuild flats from Motherwellbased Wilson Developments Ltd, with two commercial units being built on the ground floor.
Councillor Logue told the Advertiser: “This really is welcome news for the people of Airdrie and it has been a long time coming.
“We’ve seen a number of false starts on the redevelopment of this landmark site and I’m delighted that we are finally going to see what has become something of a local eyesore being transformed.
“This is one of the most prominent locations in the town centre and the move to revitalise the area with 20 new flats for rent and the creation of two new commercial units on the ground floor will help breathe some much- needed new life into South Bridge Street. The council has committed to buying the 20 new homes from the developer as we expand our ambitious new housing supply programme and regenerate our town centres to make them more diverse.
“This should also be seen in the broad context of similar developments which are currently taking place in Graham Street and Buchanan Street, where former commercial properties are being converted into housing developments.
“In addition, the council is supporting new house builds in Hallcraig Street and Broomknoll Street, all within the town centre.
“I am very confident that all of these developments will make a significant impact.”
Airdrie MP Neil Gray added: “I’m really pleased matters are progressing for this longawaited project in Airdrie’s town centre.
“This work will be important for local businesses I have been working with who feel that the Orrs building is a blight on the town centre, and will also provide much needed new retail space to attract people to shop locally. It will also help with local footfall as we will see many more people living in, and hopefully using, the town centre for convenience.
“It is a shame that the old building could not be retained, but I am pleased that the council is pursuing this project and hope there won’t be any further delay in getting it completed for the benefit of my constituents.”
The town’s MSP, Alex Neil, who has previously campaigned to get the Orrs building demolished, said: “I am very much in favour of the redevelopment of the Orr building site. It has been an eyesore for far too long.
“I have been involved in many attempts to get this building demolished and for new houses and shops to be built in it’s place.
“I very much hope it provides the stimulus to Airdrie town centre that is badly needed.”
Orrs closed in 2007 and the building was bought by Clyde Valley Housing Association the following year, but the group’s approved plans to create 14 flats plus retail units stalled, while a subsequent potential sale fell through in 2016.
I have been working with those who feel that the Orrs building is a blight on the town centre