Plans have been approved to create hundreds of new homes in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) site is to be transformed into a new Urban Village once the University relocates to its new campus in Hamilton International Technology Park later this year.

Plans for the 7.5-hectare site bordering Almada Street, Bothwell Road, Beckford Street and Caird Street include;

• Residential development of between 345 and 365 homes including 'affordable' housing

• A 60-80 bedroom hotel

• Retail, cafe and restaurant facilities

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• Care home and retirement flats

• Extensive open space and landscaping

• Retention of the 5000 sq metre Caird Building as a business and office hub

The joint UWS and council mixed-use scheme will be delivered over the next 15 – 20 years.

Welcoming the outline 'masterplan', Committee Chair Cllr Alistair Fulton said: "This proposal gives us a unique opportunity to strengthen and reinvigorate this area of Hamilton, which is well known as home to the town’s civic core of court, council and health board.

"It therefore seeks to increase the residential population and encourage a greater variety of uses while creating an innovative and high quality townscape.

"The plans also reflect the wider ambitions of the council for high quality homes and public spaces, supporting a high quality of life, and contributing to the aspirations of the town as a whole."

The committee also agreed that a Section 75 legal agreement be concluded between the applicants and the site owners to ensure financial contributions towards additional nursery and school provision and affordable housing.

(LM)