Demolition underway at once popular Falkirk sports centre
Demolition of a once busy community sports centre is now underway – but some residents in the area are unhappy at the loss of the once vibrant amenity.
Hallglen Sports Centre closed suddenly in September 2019 after the heating failed. At the time it was estimated repairs needed to the system and the rest of the building would have cost upwards of £600,000.
Since then the building in Islands Crescent has lain empty and had become a target for vandals.
There had been hopes that as part of Falkirk Council’s community asset transfer strategy (CAT) whereby the local authority would help people in communities set up groups to take over the running of buildings the Hallglen centre could reopen. To date there have been several transfers, including Bonnybridge Hub, Polmonthill Snowsports Centre and community halls in Limerigg, Brightons and Bainsford, but some buildings have closed after no-one came forward to take them over.
In late 2024 there were plans for a working group to take over the Hallglen centre for £10,000 but this never came to fruition.
Work to raze the centre began last month with contractors Central Demolition expected to be on site until the end of May.
However, one resident feels that local people should have been kept informed with what is happening.
He said: “Many people in the community have grown up using this facility. It has been more than just a sports centre – it’s been a place for young people to stay active, for families to spend time together, and for the community to come together. Seeing it being demolished without any clear explanation or confirmed replacement feels both frustrating and unfair.
"What concerns me most is the lack of transparency. There has been very little information shared publicly about what is actually planned for Hallglen. While there has been talk of a new central leisure hub elsewhere in Falkirk, there is no guarantee this will happen, no confirmed funding, and no clear timeline. In the meantime, our local facility is being taken away for over six years with no facility like that near us.”
He questioned why the community resource was removed before a replacement was in place or the public could have a say.
The resident added: “For many people, especially those without easy access to transport, losing a local sports centre is a big deal. Not everyone can travel across Falkirk to use a larger, centralised facility – assuming it even gets built.
"Communities like Hallglen deserve clear answers, proper consultation, and real investment – not uncertainty.”
He urged the council to be more open about plans and to “properly consider” the impact on local residents before more decisions are made to demolish buildings.
A spokesperson for Falkirk Council said: "Hallglen Sports Centre has been closed since 2019 and declared surplus to operational requirements.
"A demolition contractor was appointed and work began on March 16.
"Demolition is expected to conclude by the end of May, after which the site will be topsoiled, seeded, and re-graded to match existing ground levels."