Wendy Alexander has welcomed the unveiling of Tesco’s draft proposals for the regeneration of Linwood town centre.

The Linwood Regeneration Partnership will oversee the:

• Demolition and redevelopment of the current shopping centre and surrounding buildings
• Creation of more than 300 jobs for the town
• Development of a new community library
• Replacement of the Tweedie Hall with a new community centre
• Potential relocating and upgrading Linwood Health Centre
• Building a new supermarket to serve the town and surrounding area
• Construction of new retail units for businesses currently operating in the centre

Scottish architects Ian Burke Associates are creating a masterplan for the new town centre, which will feature:

• A new supermarket with an attractive, environmentally-friendly design
• New retail units will provide a modern mall-style shopping environment
• A relocated and upgraded Linwood library
• A state-of-the-art community facility to replace the Tweedie Hall
• Free car parking
• Excellent public transport links
• A six-pump petrol station
• Design features to minimise the risk of crime in the local area

Ms Alexander said: “Tesco’s exciting new plans will transform the town centre and help create a modern Linwood of which we can all be proud.

“300 new jobs, a new library, a state-of-the-art community centre and a new supermarket are just some of the benefits of Tesco’s proposals.”

“The attractive, environmentally-friendly design of the draft proposals is in stark contrast with the dilapidated existing centre.

“I’m urging all Linwood residents to take the opportunity to look at the plans and have their say on their town’s future.”