Procast lands Airdrie town centre refurb role

STRATHAVEN-based Procast has been awarded a contract in the upcoming project to refurbish properties in Airdrie’s Buchanan and Hallcraig Streets.

The contract forms part of plans to transform North Lanarkshire’s town centres over the next five years.

The project to refurbish the Airdrie properties will involve both interior and exterior work and is due to start on September 14. The works are part of North Lanarkshire Council’s long-term economic regeneration delivery plan that focuses on four interconnected themes of housing regeneration, town centre transformation, business and industry and infrastructure development.

Procast will provide a £500,000 makeover to three ground-floor retail spaces and two flats. The firm’s tasks will include re-roofing works, sandstone repair, new rainwater goods, new external doors and windows, structural repairs, new concrete lintels to replace existing timber ones, adding insulation to inside faces of external walls, new kitchens, bathrooms and electrical installations. and a full refurbishment of the retail units.

Because the project is being delivered on a one-way street in a town centre, Procast will have to adhere to rigorous procedures relating to traffic management, security and housekeeping. The firm revealed it will work closely with the live retail premises during the programme of works, which are expected to run until March 2021.

Procast director Frank McManus said, “We are proud to be part of this programme to transform town centres into modern, vibrant communities where people live, work and socialise. Like North Lanarkshire Council, we want to see new life breathed back into town centres, making them fit with current lifestyles.

“The way we all live has changed in recent years, with a surge in online shopping and use of digital streams. Our social lives are also focused around ‘experiences’, so facilities and amenities need to be provided alongside new housing in town centres. We are fully behind the ambition to create new jobs, support business and revitalise the local economy, in order to develop long-term sustainability.”