Councillors on the Community and Enterprise Committee have agreed the proposed changes to the project.

Funding was originally in place from the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) for a proposed derelict site (Alston’s Yard) on Ladyacre Road, Lanark.

But when the site purchase fell through an opportunity at Lanark Racecourse on the site of a demolished building was identified.

The Scottish Government has confirmed they are content for the project to be progressed at the new location utilising its RCGF which is currently at £800,000.

Delivery of the revised proposal will now see the creation of a Lanimer Shed and Rural Business centre with car parking and associated landscaping which will be let to the occupying organisations.

Additionally, the project will create:

• Four (full time equivalent) construction jobs
• 14 existing jobs supported (within Healthy Valleys)
• 200 training places supported for volunteer and community groups focused on health and wellbeing
• 250m² of new build business space
• 500m² of storage space for Lanark Lanimer Committee
• 0.05 hectares of brown field land redeveloped
• Two community facilities through the creation of office and business space and a community shed.

Councillor Robert Brown, the chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee said: “This very exciting project will provide excellent facilities for the local community as a whole.

“I am therefore delighted that the committee has agreed to allow this proposal to become a reality and look forward to see it progress and provide excellent opportunities for everyone.”

Following the committee’s approval, agreements will now be sought from interested parties including the Lanark Lanimer Committee and Healthy Valleys.

And as the proposed site is part of the Lanark Common Good an important consultation process is underway with the community to fulfil the requirements of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.

In addition to these initial consultations, stakeholders will be provided with regular updates at key milestones throughout the construction at the site which will be delivered using a range of sustainable techniques and models, having regard to best practice and current construction industry guidance.

The development of the two facilities has also highlighted the significance of the Lanark Racecourse as a local asset which is greatly valued by all that use it.

An opportunity via the Place Based Investment Fund has now become available to create a plan for future investment in the overall area with a Lanark Racecourse Masterplan and a Priority Project study will soon get underway.

This will be an extensive piece of work, acknowledging the Common Good status of the land and working closely with the community and site users through several consultation events. The results will be reported in 2023.