You can’t demolish carbuncle... it might be listed!
TRULY a sight for sore eyes, it is one of Scotland’s most famous carbuncles.
But now culture bosses have launched a public consultation to see if a ‘megastructure’ in Cumbernauld’s town centre should be given protected status.
North Lanarkshire Council had agreed a deal for an undisclosed fee to buy the town centre from its current owners.
The authority wants to redevelop the site as part of a multi-million-pound town hub scheme but the plan could be scuppered after Historic Environment Scotland (HES) was asked to consider designating the shopping centre structure as a listed building. HES wants to know if the public think the ‘dismal’ 1960s building should be marked for ‘special architectural or historic interest’.
When it opened, it was heralded as an outstanding example of innovation and town planning. Later it became known as an eyesore and won the ‘Plook on the Plinth’ award as Scotland’s best – or worst – carbuncle.
Dara Parsons, head of designations at HES, said: ‘Listing is a way of recognising and celebrating our most important built heritage, and ensuring its significance is taken into account in future decisions.
‘Before we reach a decision in the case of Cumbernauld town centre, we’re keen that as part of this process people have an opportunity to have their say on whether they think this building is of special historic or architectural interest.’
The council said it had ‘agreed, in principle, to acquire The Centre Cumbernauld’, but added: ‘If the town centre was designated a listed building, it may be difficult for us to progress our ambitious plans.’