When asked in the House of Commons, James Stuart, the Secretary of State for Scotland, responded to a question regarding the proposed new town of Cumbernauld.

He said: “I made an Order on 9th December, which becomes operative tomorrow, designating an area at Cumbernauld as the site of a new town under the New Towns Act, 1946. 

“The area designated is identical with that referred to in the Draft Order which was published on 23rd July. All the objectors to the Draft Order are being informed by letter of my decision and of the reasons for it so far as their interests are concerned. 

“I hope shortly to be able to announce the names of the members of the development corporation for the new town.”

The new town was built on the site of Cumbernauld Estate and included the existing villages of Cumbernauld and Condorrat.

Construction began in 1956, and the first sod was ceremonially cut on 28 June 1957. The first housing development, Kildrum 1, was completed in 1958. 

The new town population, mainly arriving from Glasgow, quickly increased the population of the area: from 3,000 in 1957 to 23,061 on 1967.

And the iconic Town Centre, opened by Princess Margaret in 1967, symbolized modern urban design.

Former Member of Parliament for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East, and Board Member of Cumbernauld Development Corporation, Rosemary McKenna, said: “We brought our family to Cumbernauld in 1967 and have never looked back. 

“I am proud that the ambition that began with the Development Corporation has grown into the wonderful town that Cumbernauld is today, with the brightest stars being its people.”

By the 1970s, Cumbernauld evolved from a place to rehouse people from overcrowded Glasgow to a hub for economic growth, attracting diverse businesses and industries.

Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, believes the future looks bright for Cumbernauld, he said: “We have ambitious plans for Cumbernauld. Our vision is to create a vibrant living town, and work is already underway to realise this vision.

“The 1960s concrete town centre buildings will be demolished to make way for a new civic hub including schools, offices, health and leisure facilities.”

The proposals are described as “an ambitious vision for establishing the town as a 21st-century new town which will bring education, employment and homes into the heart of North Lanarkshire’s largest town”, with the funding becoming “a catalyst for wider regeneration of the town centre, unlocking investment and helping to realise Cumbernauld’s potential”.

Community groups are already drawing up plans for celebratory events over the coming months.