Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has awarded £800,000 to support regeneration projects in Coatbridge.

The grant will be used to carry out external repairs to properties within the Blairhill and Dunbeth Conservation Area as part of the Coatbridge Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

North Lanarkshire Council has written to property owners in the CARS region asking for expressions of interest in applying for funding of 50% to 80% of a projects cost.

A conservation architect will carry out an external inspection of all properties within the project area to identify eligible works such as repairs to stonework, chimneys and gutters.

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In addition, the scheme has identified a C-listed vacant terrace on Bank Street, the C-listed Coia Building on Main Street and the B-listed former Carnegie Library in Academy Street as priorities for grant assistance.

Planning permission has already been secured by Clyde Valley Housing Association to redevelop the front part of Carnegie Library and convert it into residential flats. The HES funding will be used to repair and enhance the original character of the building.

Cllr James Coyle said: "The conservation area is an important part of Coatbridge town centre, and our CARS project will help us preserve its unique character for years to come.

"The council is providing investment to support the funding from HES, as part of our wider Town Centre Framework and Action Plan."

Jennifer Storrie, Project Manager for HES, added: "The idea of our CARS investment across Scotland is to support and inspire communities to utilise their heritage for the future. We aim to facilitate decision making at a local level, and funding is awarded to projects focussing on the wider contribution the historic environment brings to communities."

(LM)