Stop the demolition of Motherwell Theatre and concert hall
The Issue
Growing up in Motherwell, some of my most cherished memories were made within the walls of the Motherwell Theatre and Concert Hall. Whether I was on stage performing or seated in the audience mesmerised by a play or concert, these venues were more than just buildings; they were places where community and culture came alive, enriching the lives of countless individuals in our town.
Now, these beloved institutions face the threat of demolition before plans for a suitable replacement have even been confirmed or approved. Demolishing these treasured cultural landmarks without a clear plan for replacement would leave a cultural void in our community and deprive future generations of the joy and cultural enrichment they offer.
Motherwell Theatre and the adjoining concert hall have long stood as cornerstones of our community’s cultural life. They host a diverse range of performances, from amateur dramatics and children's shows to professional theatre productions and live music events. They are accessible, providing an important outlet for local talents and a space for families and friends to come together.
Public funds have been invested into the upkeep of these buildings over the years, making them viable and valuable assets not only to our community but the wider region. It would be a waste of resources to demolish these buildings without a guaranteed replacement that can provide equal or greater benefits.
According to local reports, no viable replacement site for these venues has been proposed, nor have resources been allocated for their reconstruction. This lack of planning raises grave concerns about the future of cultural engagement in Motherwell. We cannot allow another cultural landmark to be lost due to short-sighted development plans.
We urge North Lanarkshire Council to halt the demolition until a new, purpose-built venue is approved and ready to break ground. By doing so, we can ensure that Motherwell remains a vibrant, culturally rich community for generations to come.
Please join me in standing against this unwarranted demolition by signing this petition. Together, we can make our voices heard and protect the cultural heart of Motherwell.
Why I started this petition.
I was 12 when I joined Motherwell District Children’s Theatre. I’d already performed in theatres across Scotland, but it was at Motherwell Theatre, first with the Children’s Theatre and then the Youth Theatre, that I found my place in the world. The people in those groups and the staff in the venue encouraged and supported me an unbelievable amount, and it wasn’t just me. It was everyone who came through the doors.
On my 16th birthday I did my first shift there as a stage hand. Over the years I worked front of house, stage crew, box office, lighting and sound, and eventually became an arts worker, teaching the next generation of kids like me.
I’ve now been a professional actor and singer for more than 30 years, and I kept performing in Motherwell, even while I was at drama school. Lots of us who came through those groups now work as performers or in the arts. We’re spread all over the world and we still keep in touch and hold reunions. That building made us an extended family.
Now it’s set to become a car park
Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre has been closed since September 2023, after RAAC was found in the roof. On 19 October, North Lanarkshire Council approved plans to demolish it and replace it with an expanded car park.
Public money has gone into this venue, including a £6m refurbishment in 2010. Yet there is still no confirmed replacement venue ready to take its place. Once it’s gone, there’s no getting it back, and the next generation of Motherwell kids could grow up without a stage of their own.
What I’m asking for
Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council: please halt the demolition of Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre until a new, purpose-built venue is approved and ready to break ground.
The more of us who sign, the harder this is to ignore. Please sign and share to protect the cultural heart of Motherwell.
Kevin Gillon, actor and singer.
1,460
The Issue
Growing up in Motherwell, some of my most cherished memories were made within the walls of the Motherwell Theatre and Concert Hall. Whether I was on stage performing or seated in the audience mesmerised by a play or concert, these venues were more than just buildings; they were places where community and culture came alive, enriching the lives of countless individuals in our town.
Now, these beloved institutions face the threat of demolition before plans for a suitable replacement have even been confirmed or approved. Demolishing these treasured cultural landmarks without a clear plan for replacement would leave a cultural void in our community and deprive future generations of the joy and cultural enrichment they offer.
Motherwell Theatre and the adjoining concert hall have long stood as cornerstones of our community’s cultural life. They host a diverse range of performances, from amateur dramatics and children's shows to professional theatre productions and live music events. They are accessible, providing an important outlet for local talents and a space for families and friends to come together.
Public funds have been invested into the upkeep of these buildings over the years, making them viable and valuable assets not only to our community but the wider region. It would be a waste of resources to demolish these buildings without a guaranteed replacement that can provide equal or greater benefits.
According to local reports, no viable replacement site for these venues has been proposed, nor have resources been allocated for their reconstruction. This lack of planning raises grave concerns about the future of cultural engagement in Motherwell. We cannot allow another cultural landmark to be lost due to short-sighted development plans.
We urge North Lanarkshire Council to halt the demolition until a new, purpose-built venue is approved and ready to break ground. By doing so, we can ensure that Motherwell remains a vibrant, culturally rich community for generations to come.
Please join me in standing against this unwarranted demolition by signing this petition. Together, we can make our voices heard and protect the cultural heart of Motherwell.
Why I started this petition.
I was 12 when I joined Motherwell District Children’s Theatre. I’d already performed in theatres across Scotland, but it was at Motherwell Theatre, first with the Children’s Theatre and then the Youth Theatre, that I found my place in the world. The people in those groups and the staff in the venue encouraged and supported me an unbelievable amount, and it wasn’t just me. It was everyone who came through the doors.
On my 16th birthday I did my first shift there as a stage hand. Over the years I worked front of house, stage crew, box office, lighting and sound, and eventually became an arts worker, teaching the next generation of kids like me.
I’ve now been a professional actor and singer for more than 30 years, and I kept performing in Motherwell, even while I was at drama school. Lots of us who came through those groups now work as performers or in the arts. We’re spread all over the world and we still keep in touch and hold reunions. That building made us an extended family.
Now it’s set to become a car park
Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre has been closed since September 2023, after RAAC was found in the roof. On 19 October, North Lanarkshire Council approved plans to demolish it and replace it with an expanded car park.
Public money has gone into this venue, including a £6m refurbishment in 2010. Yet there is still no confirmed replacement venue ready to take its place. Once it’s gone, there’s no getting it back, and the next generation of Motherwell kids could grow up without a stage of their own.
What I’m asking for
Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council: please halt the demolition of Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre until a new, purpose-built venue is approved and ready to break ground.
The more of us who sign, the harder this is to ignore. Please sign and share to protect the cultural heart of Motherwell.
Kevin Gillon, actor and singer.
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Petition created on 23 October 2026