Delay to key Cumbernauld Village project will soon be over

The construction of the so-called Family Learning Centre project on the site of Cumbernauld Primary was hit by a double blow after workers downed tools in March due to the coronavirus crisis.

Yet further delays were cause due to the need to hold an exploratory archeological dig on the site which lies in the centre of the village conservation area.

As a consequence, the complex failed to meet its target completion date of August.

Yet at a meeting of the Education and Families Committee last Tuesday (September 15), it emerged that the dig was now finished and that work will start in mid-October.

That news has been welcomed by Councillor Tom Johnston, who had become aware of a development in what had the potential to be a third obstacle, which ultimately will not act as a barrier to the new facility.

The Scottish Nationalist explained: “NLC Housing New Supply service are seeking permission to confirm a residential development potential for eight new homes on the same site of the former village primary school. I sought assurances that this would not lead to further hold-up of the new Family Early Learning Centre project.

“The new Village Nursery children are currently being temporarily accommodated in the Wynd Community Hall.

“The Scottish Government gave North Lanarkshire £20.350 million in capital funding for nine new family learning centres being built across the authority area, as part of the big, Scotland-wide childcare expansion to 1140 hours per year.”

Fellow ward SNP Councillor Claire Barclay stated: “I have already written to NLC Housing Supply to emphasise the need for any new housing on this site to respect the wishes of the local village community for this conservation area.”

Meanwhile, there was more news on two other new family centres earmarked for the town.

It has emerged that the new Broomlands Family Centre, which is based in St Margaret of Scotland Primary, will have a completion date of Saturday, October 17.

A similar facility aimed at the nursery class of Whitelees Primary is expected to be finished by Friday, November 20.

Meanwhile, the Cumbernauld News and Kilsyth Chronicle has been dealing with a number of enquiries as to when the council intends to address other delays regarding the re-opening of key amenities.

These include Kilsyth swimming pool and the town’s library in addition to Condorrat Library.

Unfortunately, the council said it was simply not in a position to provide these dates.

A spokesperson for Culture and Leisure NL said: “Our leisure centres and libraries are re-opening on a phased basis, with a number already back in operation. We are committed to delivering our services in a ‘Covid Secure’ environment to help make our facilities as safe as possible for our customers and staff.

“We will share more details about our phased approach to the reopening of our services and venues when we are confident we have plans that meet the needs of everyone. We will continue to keep our website and social media channels up-to-date, in line with Government advice and our agreed recovery plans with the council.”

However, Cumbernauld Library, The Tryst Centre and Broadwood’s gym complex are operational.