Hamilton town centre is to receive a £20 million injection through a UK Government-funded regeneration scheme over the next decade, in a bid to revitalise the area and give residents a stronger voice in local decision-making. The funding follows the town’s selection for the Pride in Place programme, which is targeted at communities facing high levels of deprivation and weaker social infrastructure.
South Lanarkshire Council has confirmed that the investment will be spread over ten years and focused on projects that help build stronger communities, create more vibrant public spaces and support a long-term vision for the town centre. A key feature of the programme is direct community involvement in how the money is spent, with local people, businesses and organisations set to play a central role in shaping priorities.
As part of the next steps, councillors meeting this week are expected to consider the appointment of an independent chair to lead a new Hamilton Town Centre Neighbourhood Board. The chair must be in place by 31 March, with the final decision delegated to the council’s chief executive in consultation with the leader of the council and local MP Imogen Walker. Once in post, the chair will oversee the formation of the neighbourhood board, which will bring together residents, community groups, businesses and partner organisations.
The board will be tasked with working alongside the wider community to decide which projects should be prioritised and how the Pride in Place funding should be allocated. It is due to be fully established by July 2026 and will lead extensive engagement throughout the year to gather views and proposals from across the town. A detailed Pride in Place plan must then be submitted to the UK Government by November 2026, setting out a ten-year vision for Hamilton town centre and proposed spending for the first four years of the programme, with approval anticipated in spring 2027.
Funding is scheduled to begin in 2027/28 and will be split between capital projects, such as physical improvements and infrastructure, and revenue spending to support services and activities. The new money comes on top of the £8 million already committed to Hamilton town centre in the council’s 2025/26 budget, although any funding beyond 2028/29 will depend on future UK spending review decisions. Together, the council and Pride in Place investments are expected to underpin a long-term effort to regenerate the town centre and strengthen its role as a focal point for local life.
