The Helix was awarded the UK's biggest-ever Lottery grant in 2007 after judges were so impressed with the plans that they agreed it should get the entire £25 million being made available.

Over 300 hectares of industrial land between Falkirk and Grangemouth will be transformed, turning it into a greenspace for use by locals and visitors.

The project, put together by Falkirk Council, British Waterways and the Central Scotland Forest Trust, was expected to cost around £49 million.

However, a cash crisis forced the partners to rethink the plans and to come up with a proposal which would still satisfy the Big Lottery Fund bosses.

Maureen Campbell, the council's director of community services, said: "There was a £5 million funding shortfall after the Scottish Government didn't come through. This prompted a detailed review which looked at taking out the high risk aspects but was designed not to compromise the project."

She added that of the three elements of The Helix – Place, People and Enterprise – it had been decided to cut the £5 million from the Place proposals.

The design changes are:

• Reducing the length of the new canal link.


• Amending the found-ations for the two 30m Kelpie boat lifts.


• Retaining more of the existing woodland and pathways.


• Only having one lagoon in the Central Park.


• Instead of a skatepark, having an event amphitheatre.

Ms Campbell told members of the council's policy committee: "The review concluded that the social and economic outcomes that are central to the Helix are unaffected by the proposed changes to the physical design. This is an aspect the project team was particularly keen to ensure was safeguarded.

"The Big Lottery Fund has since considered all the review material, has approved the revised project scope and confirmed the terms and conditions of the grant continue to apply."