Centre could soon be new base for pupils
The Edward Lawson Centre in Coltness is the proposed new home for pupils with additional support needs who currently attend a Motherwell school.
T h e c e n t r e ’s u s e h a d b e e n under review amid a council-wide assessment of property assets, with Coltness Community Council (CCC) requesting that the building be transferred to the community.
However, upon review of the facility it has been identified by the council as the ideal location for pupils and staff of Bothwellpark who have been looking for a new location for some time.
A paper on the proposals will be tabled at a future council committee and the area’s Labour councillors say this is the perfect solution to secure the centre’s future.
Councillor Louise Roarty said: “I’m delighted that this proposal to secure the future of the Edward Lawson Centre will come before the council shortly.
“Councillor Nicky Shevlin and I have been working tirelessly with council officers to retain the building for the local community and I hope the pupils, parents and staff of Bothwellpark can potentially make use of this much-loved community facility.
“Whilst I know Coltness Community Council in particular may be disappointed a community asset transfer of the building has not been proposed, I’m sure they ll agree that the building could be put to extremely good use by Bothwellpark.
“I hope councillors of all parties get behind this proposal when it comes before them soon.”
Councillor Shevlin added: “Facilities like the Edward Lawson Centre are at the heart of our communities and I’m delighted that we are repurposing the building to preserve it for generations to come.
“It is my hope it won’t be long before we are welcoming the parents, pupils and staff of Bothwellpark to Coltness.”
Earlier this year, members of CCC took to social media to ask members of the public what they would like to see happen with the centre and if it would be possible to complete a community buyout of the building.
However, the Wishaw Press was then handed a document stating that the council were beginning the process of assessing the site for its residential development potential.
A council spokesperson then confirmed NLC was reviewing the status of the centre.