Concrete office blocks, a projecting council chamber and linked public spaces form a post-war civic ensemble.
Quick facts
- Date
- Designed 1961–63; built 1964–69; halls opened 1970
- Architect / designer
- Peter L A Williams, Wylie, Shanks and Partners
- Type
- Civic centre
- OS grid reference
- NS 75751 56296
The building and its setting
Tall, narrow office blocks contrast with the low assembly halls. The circular council chamber projects towards the street on a stout central support. Ribbed concrete surfaces, open decks, columns and changes of level create a carefully composed sequence of buildings and spaces.
Its story
The scheme won a national competition and replaced earlier development on a large site. Its council chamber first hosted a meeting in 1969; the assembly halls opened in 1970. The council reports that the theatre and concert hall closed in September 2023 after RAAC roof concerns, with demolition planned. The adjoining civic offices remain open.
Why it is included
Brings post-war civic planning into the account alongside Victorian buildings.
What to look for
- The projecting circular council chamber
- The separate clock tower and ribbed concrete cladding
Reading the surroundings
Use open public routes and respect closures around the theatre and concert hall.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Demolition of the halls is a stated council decision, not verified completed work. The designation includes explicit exclusions; the single map point represents a larger complex.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: LB52545 — Designation, location, architectural description and historical development; not a fresh condition survey.
- North Lanarkshire Council: RAAC building updates — Distinguishes closed theatre and concert hall, planned demolition and the open civic offices.
Location
OS grid reference NS 75751 56296 · Location confidence: HES catalogue grid converted to WGS84; approximate record location, not an entrance or boundary. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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