Demolition work is taking place on the former Sharks Mouth pub site and local councillors, including Michael McPake, convener of housing, visited the site this week to inspect the demolition progress and learn more about the housing development that will replace the historic structure.

The transformed site will deliver 16 new homes, with a construction plan currently being developed, providing a mix of social rented and supported accommodation, tailored to meet the needs of the local community.

In recognition of the building’s historical significance, parts of the current building will be incorporated into the new development. Sections from the existing structure will be reused to form a new boundary wall, helping to retain a physical link to the site’s heritage. In addition, some of the building’s original features will be removed and relocated to the nearby Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life.

Welcoming the progress, Councillor McPake said: “It’s great to see first-hand the work on this important project, which will transform a disused and deteriorating site into high-quality homes for local people. Not only are we delivering much-needed housing, but we’re also preserving elements of the site’s history, which will continue to have a place in the community through reuse and relocation. This is a great example of regeneration in action.”

The development is part of North Lanarkshire Council’s wider commitment to deliver new homes and regenerate town centres across the area.

James Stevenson, housing development manager, said: “This much-needed project brings new life to the area, delivering modern, energy-efficient homes while preserving elements of the site’s heritage for future generations to appreciate.”

Demolition work is being carried out on behalf of the council by Reigart with works expected to be completed in the coming weeks.