Deal could 'rescue' Falkirk's Callendar Square from closure

Businesses in Callendar Square were told earlier this month the premises was on the brink of shutting and they would be offered help to find new premises by its owners, Cygnet Properties and Leisure.

However, discussions are now being held between the company and an unnamed third party over the purchase of the lower level of the centre.

Talks are “moving forward”, according to Karim Virani, director of Cygnet Properties and Leisure, which could mean certain firms will be able to keep their doors open.

Mr Virani said: “There's someone who is interested in taking over the centre but we're still seeing if we can work it out.

“I would hope it would be done soon to avoid the need for shutting the centre down.

“So far nothing is confirmed but we are working on a deal.

“Some businesses would choose to stay and some would choose to leave. The tenants will have the option if a deal for a rescue can be found.

“At present, there's a deal that appears to be moving forward but it hasn't been concluded.”

The Falkirk Herald has learned Callendar Square Car Park will be taken over by a new property group from Tuesday, September 1.

Number plate recognition technology has now been removed, following a previous “unfair” system, while weekly and monthly passes will cost £10 and £30 respectively.

Attendants will also be introduced to patrol the car park.

John Jamieson, Callendar Square business development manager, said: “People were getting fines through an unfair car park system which wasn’t fit for purpose.

“It’s now impossible to get a fine because there’s no number plate recognition technology.”

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