THE £500 MILLION scheme to transforming a 150-acre site on the outskirts of Falkirk into a business, shopping and leisure mecca is anything but dead the key partners involved have insisted.
Fakirk Council and developers Macdonald Estates were forced to announce a delay in the start of the Falkirk Gateway project in November after failing to persuade a big name retailer to the site.
They agreed to put the project on hold for at least
two years – but the continued economic downturn has sparked fresh fears the Gateway might never happen.
On Wednesday the council and Macdonald Estates stressed they both remained totally committed to deliver a development which promises 5000 jobs.
Councillor Craig Martin, convener of the economic development committee, claimed: "'We fully acknowledge the difficult circumstances that many regeneration projects across the UK are experiencing at the moment.
"However, we do remain positive about the potential for investment in Falkirk. The council and its partners remain committed to securing progress on a viable and successful development at Falkirk Gateway."
Niall McLean, development manager at Macdonald Estates, was equally upbeat. He said: "The current economic climate is extremely challenging but Macdonald Estates are in a different position to the majority of commercial developers in that we have no debt and so are in a position to continue to promote developments across Scotland."
Plans for the land at Middlefield opposite Falkirk Stadium include offices, retail outlets, a hotel, leisure facilities and a marina next to the Forth & Clyde Canal.
