Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson has “strongly welcomed” millions of levelling up funding from the UK Government.
The UK Government have confirmed the ten projects across Scotland that have been successful in receiving funding from round two of the Levelling Up Fund, to the tune of more than £177 million.
In Cumbernauld the UK Government are giving more than £9 million for a project that will support the demolition and regeneration of two failing shopping centres and a vacant office block, helping to bring education, employment and homes into the heart of North Lanarkshire's largest town.
Mr Simpson says that this is further evidence of Rishi Sunak’s UK Government helping to boost economic growth and deliver new jobs for people in Lanarkshire.
He added that the millions from the UK Government will also help to restore people’s pride in the places they love, thanks to this major infrastructure project getting the go-ahead.
Finally Mr Simpson added that Rishi Sunak’s Levelling Up Fund was a “perfect example” of communities in Lanarkshire benefitting from being part of the United Kingdom.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “I am absolutely delighted that the UK Government have given the green light to this major project in Cumbernauld and have committed millions to ensuring that happens.
“The money received from Rishi Sunak’s Levelling Up Fund is an example of enabling a major project like this regeneration programme to go ahead, when otherwise it could have remained a pipedream.
“This will bring significant social and economic benefits to Cumbernauld the wider area, including boosting economic growth, delivering new jobs and restoring people’s pride in the places they live.
“Rishi Sunak’s UK Government are continuing to deliver for Lanarkshire and the whole of Scotland.
“The Levelling Up Fund is an example of our communities benefitting by being part of the UK Government and I hope other local representatives from all parties can welcome the millions being invested in our region as a result of this fund.”
Cumbernauld Project:
- Delivering on Cumbernauld's Town Vision
- Total Funding: £9,225,000
- This proposal seeks enabling investment to deliver on an ambitious vision for establishing Cumbernauld as a 21st century new town which will bring education, employment and homes into the heart of North Lanarkshire’s largest town. Levelling Up Fund support will enable North Lanarkshire Council to acquire two failing, adjoining shopping centres for later demolition and redevelopment of the site as a mixed-use Town Hub and the demolition of an adjacent, vacant office block. LUF support will act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the town centre, unlocking investment and helping to realise Cumbernauld's potential.
