In 1978, a new civic centre was planned for the corner of Elm Street and Glasgow Road.
The plans had been approved by the council and the site was chosen out as part of the Glasgow Road redevelopment plans. The complex project which was to include a community hall and play equipment did not reach the drawing stages, despite the noted need due to the closure of public buildings like the Masonic Hall and the Church Hall.
The council felt some pressure to replace public meeting areas with a new building and budgets were set aside. The final decision was to be put to the Scottish Office.
However, fate intervened, and in a twist of fate, when the Stonefield Parish Church burned down, plans for the new civic centre were abandoned, when the Church needed to be rebuilt on the intended community centre spot. Other regional community centres were instead later proposed.
From “Blantyre Explained” by Paul Veverka (c) 2017