Partner organisations involved in funding the £3.5million project visited the 'B' listed building on Friday 18 November to see how the improvements were progressing.

The partners include Town Centre Regeneration Fund (TCRF), North Lanarkshire Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Paterson’s and BIFFA.

Alex Neil MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, said: “The Scottish Government recognises the importance of town centres and local high streets to Scotland’s economic, social and cultural fabric and town halls are a hugely important part of that.

“In the face of severe cuts from Westminster, we need our town centres to be a vibrant part of efforts to support and sustain the recovery we are building in Scotland.

“The Town Centre Regeneration Fund is one example of our support and it is very encouraging for me to see at first hand how that is having a real impact here in Airdrie, as it is throughout Scotland.

“I am certain that when it reopens during its centenary year, the re-invigorated Sir John Wilson Town Hall will be an extremely exciting addition to Airdrie town centre."

Jim Logue, Convener of Learning and Leisure Services, said: “Once opened the building will provide a key cultural resource for the area, excellent community resources and a base for the council’s Arts Development Team and Airdrie Arts Guild.”

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “The Town Hall gives the community a heart, a symbol of history and identity that cannot be replaced. HLF believes that breathing new life into it will not only re-establish it at the centre of community life but will also make a marked contribution to the economics of Airdrie.”

Each year the building hosts over 200 events and functions and part of the upgrade includes new disabled access including a glass-fronted extension and lifts throughout the building.

The improvements also include creating a box office, exhibition space, cafe and bar, repairing the stonework and upgrading technical theatre equipment, with the upper hall including a digital cinema.

The project is around 40% complete and is on schedule to re-open in August 2012.

Further information

Colin Fraser, Media and Communications Officer, North Lanarkshire Council on 01689 302 054 / 07946 353 319 or fraserco@northlan.gov.uk