Enterprise and communities (EqIA)

What is the policy/strategy/function trying to achieve/do?     

The Rediscovering Airdrie programme incorporates two linked heritage-led regeneration grant schemes operating within the Victoria and Town Centre Conservation Area: the Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme and the Repair & Conservation Grant Scheme. Both aim to enhance Airdrie’s historic town centre by improving the condition, appearance, and long-term sustainability of heritage buildings, supporting inclusive economic growth and community wellbeing. 

The schemes will deliver conservation-led improvements to shopfronts, stained glass, building fabric and public realm features, enhancing the condition and visibility of historic buildings within the town centre. All works will be guided by the Airdrie Conservation Area Management Plan, ensuring alignment with best practice and long-term sustainability.

The Shopfront Improvement Scheme will offer design support and grant funding to restore traditional façades, improving the visual appeal of the town centre and encouraging investment. 

The Repair and Conservation Scheme aims to repair and restore the fabric of selected buildings within the Scheme Site, this could include masonry, roof, rainwater goods and windows using traditional materials and skills. 

These schemes respond directly to consultation feedback from local businesses and aligns with North Lanarkshire’s Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan objective to reshape town centres, which in turn will increase footfall and support the local economy.

The Scheme Area is part of the Victoria and Town Centre Conservation Area, managed under a Character Appraisal and Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP), adopted by North Lanarkshire Council in January 2025. The CAMP outlines four key threats to the heritage: poor maintenance, inappropriate repairs, ageing materials, and underuse - driven by physical deterioration, economic barriers to repair, and declining public engagement.

One property within the Scheme Area is listed on Historic Environment Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register and several buildings, particularly along Bank Street, are in poor condition. 

Privately owned commercial properties have experienced neglect and inappropriate alterations, often due to low property values and prohibitive repair costs. Conservation reports commissioned during the development phase found local heritage features in good condition but in need of cleaning and protection. This project will be a catalyst for improved heritage management and conservation.

These schemes address socio-economic disadvantage through revitalisation of a town centre located within some of Scotland’s most deprived SIMD neighbourhoods.

Note: A separate EqIA will cover the redevelopment of Airdrie Public Library which is also part of the Rediscovering Airdrie project. 

Note: this activity sits within the ERDP (Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan) which has a high-level overarching EQIA.

If this is a budget saving, how will the saving be achieved?

This project will not provide any budget savings.

If this policy is subject to the FSD what does it suggest about the impact or potential impact on socio-economic disadvantage? 

This project is not subject to the FSD.

Give details of the impact it has on groups and individuals 

Age (a particular age or range of ages):

People of various ages will be temporarily affected, particularly if footpaths are due to be closed temporarily and foot traffic is diverted away from site works.

Disabled people and people with long term health conditions:

Wheelchair users, people with limited mobility issues and people with visual impairments will be impacted due to footpath closures. Diversions put in place must consider these cohorts. Neurodivergent people may also be impacted if they are sensitive to noise.

Women or men, girls or boys:

Safety and exposure to noise/dust on visits to the Airdrie town centre, and potentially on journeys to work/school/leisure activities.

Pregnant women and new mothers (including breastfeeding women):

This cohort may be affected by changes in air quality and dust sensitivity. Closure or narrowing of footpaths will also impact pram users in terms of manoeuvrability.

Children and families:

Safety and exposure to noise/dust on visits to the Airdrie town centre, and potentially on journeys to work/school/leisure activities.

What actions/measures will be put in place or are planned to mitigate any adverse impact or promote equality? 

Contractors for each shopfront or conservation repair project will be procured by the individual property owners but as part of each contractor appointment a method statement will be needed that incorporates a Health & Safety Plan, Traffic & Pedestrian Management Plan (TPMP), Noise & Vibration Management Plan (NVMP), and Dust Management Plan (DMP) as required.

A range of measures will be put in place to minimise adverse impacts and promote equality during the works. Safe and accessible routes will be maintained by keeping at least one step‑free path open where possible, providing clear high‑contrast signage, avoiding complex diversions, and ensuring good lighting and trip‑free surfaces. Support for disabled people will include maintaining clear widths, temporary ramps, tactile paving, and audible/visual warnings for plant movement. Temporary crossings will be well signed with good sightlines.

Plain‑language notices will be used, with translated versions available on request. Considerations for families and children include physically segregated work areas, banksmen for vehicle movements, and avoiding high‑impact works at school start and finish times. Measures for pregnant women and new mothers, such as dust suppression and minimising gradients, will be set out in the contractor’s method statement.

To ensure these actions are delivered, each demolition contractor will provide a detailed method statement including Health & Safety, Traffic and Pedestrian Management, Noise and Vibration, and Dust Management Plans. These documents will outline the constraints and assumptions for the demolition works. Standard working hours and quiet hours will be agreed in line with planning conditions and contact details for the contractor and site manager will be displayed on site hoardings. 

Ongoing stakeholder engagement will continue throughout the project, supported by regular updates through corporate communications, the council website, and social media to keep the public informed and help manage any concerns.

What is the result/recommendations of the EqIA 

It is recommended to introduce the policy with the necessary mitigations as described.