Falkirk Central Retail Park: Plans to revitalise stores and create a leisure venue

Plans to revitalise Central Retail Park in Falkirk which could see the creation of a new cinema, concert hall or sports venue have been unveiled.
By Kirsty Paterson, Local Democracy Reporter
Published 8th Apr 2022, 16:11 BST
Updated 11th Apr 2022, 17:11 BST
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The oldest section of Falkirk retail park – a row of shops including Halfords, Currys and TKMaxx – will be given a new look, according to an application that has been submitted to Falkirk Council.

The application reveals that the current shopfronts “are unquestionably outdated and do not meet the demands of a modern retailer”.

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It states: “This is particularly due to the small shopfronts and heavy canopy structure in front. Shoppers are faced with a heavy mass of red brick and plain clay tiles with unorthodox and poor-quality signage.”

The row of units including TK Maxx would be given a new look if the plans are approvedThe row of units including TK Maxx would be given a new look if the plans are approved
The row of units including TK Maxx would be given a new look if the plans are approved
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Opening details for new Food Warehouse store in Falkirk

The new facades will fit in with the design of the rest of the retail park, but the applications adds that “the development will hopefully set a benchmark for the remainder of the park to be uplifted at the appropriate time”.

In another proposed change, the retail park’s owners would like to change the use of the former Mothercare store in a bid to make it easier to find a new tenant for the unit.

The large store has not had a permanent occupant since Mothercare’s Falkirk store closed in January 2020. The current temporary occupier, the charity Farplace Animal Rescue, has served notice that it was vacating the unit at the end of March.

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Now, the landlord, Corona Vulcan Falkirk Limited – which bought the retail park last year – seeks planning permission for the change of use of Unit 17 from Class 1 use to Class 11 Assembly and Leisure Use.

The application states that this change will give the landlord more options when it comes to finding a new tenant for the premises.

Guidance states that a class 11 use could be for: a cinema; a concert hall; a bingo hall or casino; a dance hall or discotheque; or a swimming bath, skating rink, gymnasium or area for other indoor or outdoor sports or recreation, not involving motorised vehicles or firearms.

Recently, the retail park was given planning permission to install new planters

The retail park’s newest tenant, the Food Warehouse, will open its doors on Tuesday, April 12 at 8am.

Related topics:FalkirkFalkirk CouncilCurrysMothercare