South Lanarkshire Council will receive £687,000 in funding for four local projects.

The Scottish Government will give the council the sum of money from its Vacant and Derelict Land Fund.

Councillors on the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee this week (August 29), welcomed the funding for future projects.

Chair of the committee, Robert Brown (Rutherglen South), said: “I think these are hugely important investments in a variety of different projects across the area.”

Following a review of opportunities that comply with the criteria of the fund, the council has identified four projects to be completed.

Those include works at Langlands West Strategic Industrial Development Site in East Kilbride, Phase Two of Clyde Cycle Park in Cambuslang, Carnwath Community and Business Enterprise Hub and Shawfield in Rutherglen.

These projects represent a balanced programme of activities which address Scottish Government priorities.

Project proposals are being developed for the Langlands West project to include: bulk earthworks and platforming structural landscaping as well as improvements to biodiversity and improved access provision relating to on-site road infrastructure.

Plans also include upgraded site servicing (power/ drainage/ water supply/ telecoms) and sustainable drainage (SUDS) improvements.

The Langlands West project will be promoted as a strategic employment location for advanced manufacturing and engineering activity, suitable for both indigenous business and inward investment.

Clyde Cycle Park is an ambitious project that includes creating a high-quality combination of cycle circuits on the River Clyde in Cambuslang to promote community, commuter and competition cycling.

Further development works are now planned to include the installation of floodlighting, installation of boundary fencing with associated access gates, creation of an enlarged car parking and installation of modular building accommodation including changing rooms, lockers and toilet facilities for visitors.

The Carnwath Community and Business Enterprise Hub will be developed in the village centre which is a long-time ambition of the local community.

It is focused on a long-term former petrol station site which has been recently purchased by the community group.

The new hub will deliver a range of facilities including meeting spaces, multi-purpose rooms, business units, outdoor spaces, office spaces, and digital infrastructure.

Residents of all ages, community groups and businesses will have access to advice, information and guidance as well as business opportunities, educational, social and leisure activities within the new hub.

Local councillor for Carnwath, Ian McAllan (Clydesdale East), welcomed the plans to progress the business hub.

He said: “I’d like to say for the record that this is an excellent initiative. Selfishly I’d like to see progress on the project of derelict land in Carnwath in my ward which has been an absolute blight on the area for so long so thank you for the update.”

Funding has also been allocated to go towards an ongoing remediation and development activity at Shawfield in Rutherglen.

These proposed works include: site investigation, design fees, remediation of Chromium VI contamination, site stabilisation, treatment of abnormal site conditions including watercourses and culverts provision of infrastructure, buildings, services and utilities Last year, the council received £737,000 from the Scottish Government fund, that money went towards two projects at the Cuningar Loop Woodland Park.

The Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund aims to tackle long-term vacant and derelict land, stimulate economic growth and job creation, develop a diverse, sustainable environment with a focus on temporary and permanent greening and support communities to flourish and tackle inequalities.