At a meeting of the full council this week, Council Leader, Joe Fagan, seconded by Councillor David Watson put forward a motion noting the authority’s continuing focus on East Kilbride, its communities, heritage, and future prosperity.

The motion, which was also contributed to by Councillor Kirsten Robb leads on a commitment to the town and its people, stating:

• This Council believes that following the 75th anniversary year, there must be a new focus from the council and its partners on renewing the economy of the town and building prosperity and well-being for future generations. Furthermore, that the principles of EK New Town, where planners-built places for people to live, work and thrive in their local communities, should be celebrated, and valued in the future regeneration of the town.

Said Councillor Fagan: “I am proud to have lived in East Kilbride all my life, and to represent EK Central North. This year marked 75 years since East Kilbride was designated as Scotland’s first New Town and over these 12 months, a variety of events and activities have taken place to celebrate the heritage of the town and the wider contribution of its people in so many areas of life.

“The East Kilbride 75th anniversary grants programme we put in place has also enabled the community to mark this landmark year in their own ways, as reflects the diverse and vibrant town of the 21st century. By bringing forward this motion I very much wanted to make clear that we as a council stand alongside the community of East Kilbride and will mark this significant moment not just with words but with actions.”

As well as noting:

The agreement of the motion by members also kick starts a refreshed seven-point plan for the continuing improvement and regeneration of Scotland’s second largest town. This includes a commitment to:

• Progress with a Master Plan for the transformation of East Kilbride Town Centre, in conjunction with owners/administrators, partners and community stakeholders, including a new civic and cultural development.
• Prepare a bid to the Levelling Up Fund and/or other potential funders to support transformational investment in East Kilbride.
• Identify opportunities for working in partnership with businesses to secure private sector investment in the East Kilbride economy, including the green economy.
• Make immediate representations to the Scottish Government and partners, expressing support for the full electrification and dual track of the East Kilbride rail line and early engagement on the benefits of a Glasgow Metro system to the town and the surrounding area.
• Scope with partners the potential for an ‘East Kilbride Festival of Ideas’ to celebrate East Kilbride’s history of innovation in technology, science, industry and living and promote the place of innovation and sustainability in the future development of the town.
• Seek to replace the East Kilbride Task Force with a business-led successor organisation to champion a sustainable, inclusive economy for East Kilbride. Call for the formation of an EK Community Locality Partnership at pace to ensure communities are heard and empowered to help drive forward the regeneration of the town
• Seek the agreement of partners to make a modest financial contribution to Smart, Sustainable East Kilbride, to renew its facilitation, engagement, and wealth-building work in the town bringing a presentation on planned project delivery and wider engagement to a future EK Area Committee.

Concluded Councillor Fagan: “The motion I put forward this week, supported by David Watson, and agreed by councillors from across the authority, will build on the successes of the last 75 years by refocusing and reaffirming the commitment of the council and our partners to renewing the economy of the town, building prosperity, and ensuring the wellbeing of future generations."