Falkirk Council: Town centre transformation project will make it safer and more accessible

The £800,000 initiative, funded by the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Capital Fund, aims to improve pedestrian safety, reduce anti-social behaviour and improve the look and feel of Lint Riggs and Newmarket Street.

With extensive engagement undertaken before the work began, the 30-week project tackles long-standing concerns the community has raised. It will also deliver a range of improvements to the local environment including bus stop relocations, lower kerbs, high-quality stonework, new seating areas and trees.

In addition to the visual and practical improvements to the area, the Council has taken the proactive step of incorporating road maintenance work into the project to minimise the overall disruption to the local community.

Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: "This project represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to creating a safer and more accessible town centre for all. We understand the frustrations caused by this prolonged period of work, especially around the necessary diversions, and want to thank everyone for their continued patience. Please bear with us for just a little longer, as the end result will make the area a more pleasant, safer, and accessible place for everyone.”

In addition to the ongoing physical improvements to the town centre, the Council has invested in public Wi-Fi, footfall sensors, and introduced parcel lockers. A review of parking has also been undertaken and on-street parking ticket machines upgraded.

Falkirk Delivers Ltd, who operate the Falkirk Business Improvement District, continues to receive financial support from Falkirk Council to help promote the town centre and improve safety and security as well as the local environment.

Property owners are receiving support from the Council to help them convert vacant retail units into homes to encourage more people to live in the town centre to help make it a thriving and vibrant place to be.

News that the new town hall will be built on the high street has further boosted confidence, alongside the approval of Falkirk town centre’s masterplan, which will play a vital role in ensuring the town centre caters to the needs and aspirations of the local community over the next 20 years.

Cllr Meiklejohn said: "We are determined to evolve our town centre to meet the changing needs of the community. These efforts, combined with the ongoing transformation of the physical space, are crucial steps towards the regeneration of Falkirk town centre.”

To find out more about work going on in Falkirk go to falkirkdelivers.com or www.falkirk.gov.uk