Construction work has commenced on the transformation of the former Motherwell Town Hall into 20 modern council homes for North Lanarkshire Council.

The refurbishment project, located in the heart of Motherwell, will involve the partial demolition of the vacant former Zone building while carefully preserving its Grade C listed front façade. The development aims to blend retained architectural features with energy-efficient, contemporary housing.

The new flats are part of North Lanarkshire Council's new supply programme, which targets the delivery of 6,000 new homes by 2035. The properties, built to high design standards, will comprise ten one-bedroom amenity flats, three one-bedroom mainstream flats, and seven two-bedroom mainstream flats. All new homes will be designed to meet current and future tenant needs, incorporate 'Secure by Design' principles for enhanced safety, and feature energy efficiency measures for greater sustainability.

The development will also include landscaped communal gardens designed to promote biodiversity and provide enhanced outdoor amenity space, including external drying areas, secure bin storage, and cycle storage.

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Councillor Michael McPake, Housing Convener for North Lanarkshire Council, visited the site to mark the start of the refurbishment. He was joined by local Councillor Paul Kelly, council officers including Pamela Humphries (Chief Officer of Place), James Stevenson (Housing Development Manager), Jordan Price (Project Manager), and Robbie Mooney (Project Development Co-ordinator). Representatives from Clark Contracts included Danny McKibbens (Contracts Operations Director), Garry Henderson (Contracts Manager), and Jim MacLennan (Contracts Site Manager).

Councillor McPake said: “It was fantastic being on site and being able to visualise the development of the former Town Hall building. The plans aim to transform this derelict building into homes for local people while retaining the architectural features, which make the building so instantly recognisable.”

He highlighted the project's strategic location: “It’s a great location for our latest housing project and builds on the regeneration of Motherwell. The flats are directly opposite the refurbished Motherwell Library and its central location is great for accessing transport links including Motherwell railway station and integrated transport hub and local amenities such as Brandon Parade Shopping precinct and the nearby green space at Strathclyde Country Park.”

“We’re committed to transforming our town centres and local communities and this project is an excellent example of how we’re regenerating key town centre sites across North Lanarkshire by delivering high-quality, affordable and sustainable housing. It’s all part of our vision to make North Lanarkshire the place to live,” Councillor McPake added.

The works are being carried out by main contractor Clark Contracts, with an anticipated completion date of autumn 2026.

Danny McKibbens, Operations Director at Clark Contracts, commented: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council on this important development, which will provide much-needed housing for the Motherwell area. This project exemplifies how historic buildings can be thoughtfully repurposed to meet modern needs, while preserving their architectural significance. We look forward to delivering this project and making a positive and lasting contribution to the local community."