Centre West will transfer outright ownership back to the council on 30 December, which will allow a demolition contractor to begin work which is crucial to the overall masterplan.

The demolition of Centre West will create a new council-owned development site in the town centre. Under current plans shared with the public, this will enable between 250-300 new homes to be developed, with 25% retained for social housing.

A new Civic Hub building which will provide a range of community, arts and leisure facilities, including arts venue/performance space will also be developed.

And a new Civic Square and streetscape improvement works will enhance the physical fabric, vibrancy and “feel” of the town centre, delivering a high-quality urban environment. There will also be scope for brand new retail space or ground floor units.

The redevelopment of Centre West is only one part of the Masterplan which also includes a new supermarket, hotel, new leisure opportunities and investment in the Malls.

Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “We now have a demolition contractor appointed which means work will be able to begin in the new year to transform the town centre.

“Consultation workshops have taken place in the centre, and we have also asked people for their views online. Lots of people were supportive but others were sceptical that this would ever happen. Now it’s happening and that can only be a good thing for the town.

“Signage will be going up around the centre to let everyone know the areas affected and I would encourage anyone who wants to find out more to look at the plans online or visit EK Central Library where they can see all the details.

“The aim of the Masterplan is clear – to provide a vibrant, new heart of East Kilbride that everyone who lives in or visits the town can be proud of. I always said East Kilbride faces a choice of two futures – radical change or radical decline. We chose radical change and now we can get on with building a better future for the town.”

Before demolition commences a package of enabling works will take place to ensure that any interdependence between Plaza and Centre West malls is disconnected. This includes works to reinstate a lower-level staircase in Plaza and works on a new exit from Plaza adjacent to Centre West.