East Kilbride residents are being invited to take part in a public consultation on ambitious plans to transform the town centre, with the first event taking place tomorrow (12pm–7pm) at EK Central Library. A further event is scheduled for August.
While many welcome the investment, the dedicated development website remains devoid of meaningful information, leaving the public unclear about the project’s scope and whether key issues like housing affordability, NHS access and transport infrastructure will be adequately addressed.
What’s in the Plans?
According to outline proposals, a significant portion of East Kilbride Shopping Centre—particularly the struggling Centre West section—will be demolished and replaced with housing, civic space and improved pedestrian infrastructure. A £62.2 million masterplan has been proposed by U.S. hedge fund Magnetar, in partnership with Northdale Asset Management, following their £27 million acquisition of the site in early 2025.
Elected Officials Respond
Local elected officials have so far expressed broad support for the project, though residents continue to demand clarity on essential services and safeguards.
South Lanarkshire Councillors
- Cllr Gerry Convery (East Kilbride Central South) said the centre is “falling to bits” and described the transformation as “an exciting time.” He added, “People are asking questions and their views will be taken forward. We are here to serve the people of East Kilbride.”
- Cllr Joe Fagan (East Kilbride Central North), also Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, said: “The Master Plan helps frame the town centre as a development opportunity, rather than a fixed (and frankly failing) asset. That, we hope, makes it a better place for residents.”
- Cllr Robert Brown (Chair of Community and Enterprise Resources Committee) emphasised planned transport upgrades, particularly on Stewartfield Way, which will include improved bus infrastructure, cycling, and walking routes. He stated: “I am confident these plans… will lead to a bright future for East Kilbride.”
MSPs
- Collette Stevenson MSP (SNP, East Kilbride) has highlighted East Kilbride’s need for investment in Parliament, questioning how the Scottish Government’s infrastructure budget will benefit the town. She has not yet issued a specific statement on the redevelopment.
- Graham Simpson MSP (Conservative, Central Scotland) said: “Our town centre, like many others, has been struggling and can’t continue as it is. Have your say and comment on these interesting new plans.”
MP
- Joani Reid MP (Labour, East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow) has yet to issue a formal statement on the town centre redevelopment since her election in 2024. No public opposition has been recorded from her office to date.
East Kilbride Shopping Centre in Decline
The push to redevelop stems from a years-long downturn in retail activity:
- The shopping centre entered administration in 2022 following mass store closures.
- By September 2023, over 75 units were vacant, with more than 507,000 sq ft of empty space in Centre West alone.
- Recent high-profile closures included Beaverbrooks and Tim Hortons, signalling declining footfall and spending.
- A third of the site is now set for demolition, according to regeneration proposals backed by South Lanarkshire Council.
- Despite claims of 15 million annual visitors, EK’s retail landscape reflects national trends: 25+ major stores closed across Scotland last year and high street footfall dropped by 9%, with shopping centres among the hardest hit.
Housing, Rent and Affordability Concerns
While the masterplan includes new homes, there are growing fears it will not address local affordability pressures:
- In South Lanarkshire, average private rents rose to £868 per month in April 2025—a 7.2% increase year-on-year.
- In Scotland overall, rents for a one-bedroom flat rose 9.6% to £710, with two-bedroom flats averaging £1,126 and four-beds exceeding £1,875.
- These rent rises continue to outpace wage growth, which stood at just 5.3% as of May 2025.
Residents and campaigners argue that without guarantees for social and affordable housing, the redevelopment risks pushing out low-income households who already struggle to find secure accommodation.
NHS Under Pressure: Can Hairmyres Cope?
The redevelopment raises serious questions about the capacity of University Hospital Hairmyres, East Kilbride’s primary acute hospital:
- NHS Scotland’s 95% four-hour A&E target has not been met since 2017. A recent case saw a retired Lanarkshire police officer left waiting over five hours on the floor of Hairmyres A&E before being treated.
- Paramedic handover delays at Hairmyres have tied up ambulance crews, increasing emergency response times.
- Staffing shortages persist across diagnostics, mental health, and general practice referrals.
- The hospital has just 492 inpatient beds, with no announced expansion plans to accommodate population growth expected from the redevelopment.
- Nationally, over 11,000 patients in Scotland are currently waiting more than two years for treatment.
Despite these figures, there has been no formal commitment from NHS Lanarkshire or South Lanarkshire Council to enhance health services as part of the town centre regeneration.
Traffic & Transport: Gridlock a Daily Reality
Increased housing and footfall may further strain East Kilbride’s existing road network:
- With a significant portion of East Kilbride’s population commuting to Glasgow, concerns are mounting over the town’s ability to absorb increased car traffic without wider transport infrastructure upgrades.
- The A726 dual carriageway, East Kilbride’s main entry and exit route, already has experienced severe gridlock at times, especially during morning and evening commutes or famous Scottish weather.
- Roadworks across the town, including on Queensway and Torrance Wynd, regularly divert traffic and contribute to daily bottlenecks.
What’s Missing?
While councillors and MSPs have voiced optimism, residents are still waiting for clear commitments on:
- The proportion of affordable and social housing
- Expansion of local NHS services, particularly GP and dental care
- Significant road and public transport improvements to support anticipated growth
Have Your Say
Public consultation is underway, and residents are encouraged to get involved.
You can attend in person, or voice concerns to us via email or the comment section. ek@thecommunityimpact.co.uk.
Do you support the redevelopment? What should be prioritised to ensure it meets community needs?
We will continue to monitor the process and advocate for transparency, accessibility, and community-led development.
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