The ambitious strategic Plan for North Lanarkshire is designed to strengthen communities, support families, grow the local economy and improve public services.

The report highlights significant progress in major developments across culture, housing and transport.

Around £1.4 million has been secured to redevelop Airdrie Library, and more than 2,500 new homes have now been delivered, alongside major improvements to existing council homes.

The initial tower blocks reprovisioning programme has been completed, paving the way for new, modern homes. Towers in Coatbridge, Airdrie and Motherwell have already been demolished, with further demolitions scheduled for spring 2027.

Detailing strong delivery, the progress report also highlights achievements across community facilities, transport, digital innovation, economic growth, sustainability and cultural investment, such as:

• The opening of the new Orbiston Community Hub marks a major milestone, with four more community hubs on track for completion by the end of 2026, including St Stephen’s in Coatbridge, St Kevin’s in Bargeddie, Gartcosh Community Hub and the extension to Chryston High School.
• North Lanarkshire’s economy continues to show strong growth, with Gross Value Added up by 12.5% and business numbers rising to 8,515, with significant growth in the construction and retail sectors. Business base grew by 11.9% against the Scottish average of 2.8% in the last decade.
• Lanarkshire was recently named an AI Growth Zone, reinforcing its status as a leading place for business. DataVita–CoreWeave has announced an £8.2 billion digital investment for advanced AI and data services, with the potential to create thousands of jobs over the coming years.
• There are now more than 900 local organisations have also joined the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme, helping to give babies across North Lanarkshire the best possible start in life. In 2024, the council became the first in Scotland to achieve the Breastfeeding Friendly Local Authority Gold Award.
• Schools across the area are showing positive signs of progress, with new figures highlighting improvements in attainment against the Scottish average, reduced exclusions and continued success in inspections.

“The growth in our economy along with improved housing and our new community hubs are all creating the right environment for changing behaviours such as increased breastfeeding rates, improved attainment in schools and lower unemployment rates,” said Des Murray, chief executive of North Lanarkshire Council.

“Our economy is growing at a much faster rate in comparison to the rest of Scotland, with GVA increased by 65.8% in the last decade to 2023 and overall, this report shows the progress we are making for the people of North Lanarkshire. 

“This success is driven by the dedication and commitment of our staff, working alongside our partners to deliver this plan. I would like to thank everyone for their continued hard work.

“We realise there is still much to be done, but our ambition, combined with our track record in delivering, means that we are in a strong position to build on these successes.”

Des Murray added: “We are delivering all this at pace despite the challenges every council faces. What stands out most is the impact this work is having: stronger communities, better services, new opportunities for young people and a growing local economy.

“By working together with partners and communities, we can truly make a difference and make North Lanarkshire a better place to live, learn, work, invest and visit.”

A recent Best Value audit also recognised the council’s bold vision, effective financial and performance management and strong community engagement, reflecting its commitment to long-term improvement.

The council will continue to pursue its ambitious plans to transform the area, with significant investment set to continue across hubs, roads and transport, culture and heritage, digital innovation and environmental improvement over the coming years.