The first phase of new housing is well underway and will deliver 97 new council homes as part of the planned 300 new homes proposed as part of the masterplan for the area.

Pamela Humphries, North Lanarkshire Council’s chief officer of place, enterprise and communities, said: “It is exciting to see Gowkthrapple being transformed with these new properties providing modern energy efficient homes for families and the wider community.

“Local people have been heavily involved with the plans for this development with significant input being given through consultations and feedback sessions, and I’m sure they will be delighted to see real progress being made on the site.

“This next stage of demolition work will remove most of the empty blocks and allow for the next phase of the building and environmental improvements to commence.

“This ambitious masterplan will bring substantial benefits to local people and will potentially include new retail opportunities, additional open spaces, play facilities and improved transport infrastructure being developed alongside the new homes. This major investment project will deliver an attractive, vibrant and well-connected neighbourhood which the local community can be proud of.”