Coatbridge has been allocated £19.5m over a 10-year period as part of the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme. 

A Regeneration Plan and initial four-year investment plan have been prepared, based on feedback from local people on their priorities for the town. These plans have now been approved by the UK Government, releasing the first £6.6m allocation of funding for Coatbridge. 

The decision will support a 10-year programme of spending aimed at boosting opportunities for young people, revitalising key attractions and creating a safer, more welcoming town centre. An independent Coatbridge Neighbourhood Board is in place, who will work with North Lanarkshire Council to deliver the programme. 

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 progress is already being made, with a community-led town centre Spring-clean event held in April. The initiative brought together local residents, volunteers and partners to refresh planters in the town centre and carrying out litter-picking, demonstrating the strong local commitment that underpins the Regeneration Plan.

As part of the first phase of delivery, a Coatbridge Community Empowerment Grant Fund has been launched this week, providing funding opportunities for local groups who want to lead projects and activities in their neighbourhoods. Further small grant programmes are planned for later this summer.

The Coatbridge Neighbourhood Board are planning to launch a website soon, where more information on projects and how to get involved will be available.