Hamilton town centre users can rest assured that work is nearly complete on phase one of the Town Centre Action Plan.

The plan involved a number of roadworks in the Duke Street area of Hamilton and work is due to finish on the sewer on July 5, on Duke Street Car Park by July 16, 1999 and general roadworks are due to be completed by November 27, 1999.

The roadworks are running concurrently with the upgrading of the Regent Way shopping precinct. The £9 million refurbishment by South Lanarkshire Council and Standard Life Investment Ltd will turn the 1960s-style precinct into a fully enclosed modern shopping centre.

The 300,000 sq ft Regent Shopping Centre will incorporate 45 shops and cafes in addition to anchor tenants, Marks & Spencer, Bhs, Boots and Woolworths. The shopping area will be enclosed with a glazed roof and new lighting will be installed throughout the centre. Replacement flooring will give the centre a terrazzo feel and, towards the end of the project, a new Management Suite and public toilets will be built. Shops currently trading in Regent Way will remain open throughout the refurbishment programme.

Shoppers needn't worry about parking. Despite the fact that the Miller Street car park has been permanently closed since March, drivers can still use the 685 space Duke Street car park.

Regent Way has also remained open throughout the improvement works and access to the town centre will be maintained through close liaison with Strathclyde Police, Standard Life and the Town Centre Manager.

Town centre users can also look forward to the opening of the new £11m retail park at the Palace Grounds. This is due to open for trading in this month and retailers include Homebase, Comet, Scottish Power, Uno, Pets at Home, World of Leather, Pizza Hut and McDonalds.