Milton view Readers split on plans for town centre future
It was another busy week on the Hamilton Advertiser’s Facebook pages as people took to social media to talk about and share our stories.
Many of you reacted online to our story about two Hamilton politicians kick-starting an action plan to save Hamilton town centre.
Angela Crawley MP and Christina Mckelvie MSP are asking constituents for their views on what changes are required to regenerate Hamilton.
The move has been sparked by a recent investigation, carried out by the Advertiser, which identified that 45 business units in Hamilton are empty.
The SNP politicians say the huge survey will be carried out online, faceto-face and by post and a business summit will be held in the town centre.
Ann Jeffrey said: “Great, something needs done, used to be a great place to shop.”
Linda Keenan said: “Hamilton Town Centre went downhill as soon as the free parking was removed. Easy.
“No need to go to any expense with consultations etc. Just ask the people who used to go there.”
Greig Mcarthur said: “A huge survey, consultation and report seems to be a grand waste of time and money when the problems seem immediately obvious to everyone. Fix parking and business rates first.”
Stephen Cameron said: “Online shopping has a lot to do with it.”
Brian Welsh said: “Free parking yes I agree but it won’t solve it. Hamilton needs a big anchor store likes of Debenhams, New Look, River Island the businesses will build around it then rents and rates would be justifiable when trading improves and footfall also improves. It will take a long time, however with right people in place to market the centre it is achievable.”
John Cullen said: “Blue Meanies chase people away from Hamilton.”
Shaheen Savarnejad said: “As a shop owner in Hamilton Town Centre, this is a welcome step to fixing the issues that plague the town and have for some time now. I’m really excited to see this.”
Kimberly Hawke said: “I’d rather spend the money parking at East Kilbride, or drive a little further out and park for free at the Fort.”
Nicola Govan said: “Don’t think the parking will resolve matters, need some good shops. Too many charity shops.”
Megan Rose O’donnell said: “Quarry Street should not be pedestrianised, and free/cheaper parking should be available on the street. Look at Bothwell, Uddingston and the likes of Byres Road. These are places which small businesses are thriving, and you can park right outside the shops for free.
“Yes, Hamilton Town Centre needs more big names like a Debenhams etc, but when Glasgow City Centre is just a 20 minute drive/train away what is the point in shopping in Hamilton? The town centre needs to have more successful, unique, small shops to attract people here as opposed to the city centre and small businesses like this can’t survive when everyone is put off by the convenience and price of parking.”
Lesley Nicol said: “Hamilton Town Centre a disgrace no shops to speak of.”
Scott Morrison said: “Selling off the palace grounds was the beginning of the end.”