The UK Government has approved plans for a £19.5 million regeneration programme in Coatbridge, marking a major milestone for the town's future development.

The funding has been allocated to Coatbridge over a 10-year period as part of the UK Government's Pride in Place Programme. Following extensive feedback from local residents regarding their top priorities for the area, a comprehensive Regeneration Plan and an initial four-year investment strategy were prepared. The official approval of these plans has released the first £6.6 million funding tranche for the town.

The 10-year spending programme is designed to revitalise key local attractions, enhance opportunities for young people, and establish a safer, more welcoming town centre environment. Delivery of the programme will be overseen by an independent Coatbridge Neighbourhood Board, working in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council.

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Gavin Whitefield, Chair of the Coatbridge Neighbourhood Board, said: "This is a significant milestone for Coatbridge and a testament to the dedication of local people who helped shape this plan.

"Over the past two years, the community has told us clearly what matters most — from opportunities for young people to the future of the town centre — and this investment allows us to start delivering on those priorities.

"We are now focused on turning these plans into tangible improvements that people will begin to see over the coming months and years."

Early momentum is already underway, highlighted by a community-led town centre spring-clean event held in April. The initiative saw local residents, partners, and volunteers gather to carry out litter-picking and refresh town centre planters, reflecting the strong community backing behind the Regeneration Plan.

As the first phase of the rollout commences, the Coatbridge Community Empowerment Grant Fund has launched this week, opening up funding pathways for local groups wishing to spearhead projects and activities in their own neighbourhoods. Additional small grant schemes are scheduled to follow later this summer. Full details regarding the application process can be found on the North Lanarkshire Council website under Coatbridge Pride in Place.

Furthermore, the Coatbridge Neighbourhood Board will soon launch a dedicated website providing comprehensive information on upcoming projects and details on how the public can get involved.