Falkirk Council has agreed to buy a local church and its hall as a new home for a community centre in Camelon that is due to be demolished.

Camelon Education Centre’s activities were set to move into modular units when its current home – a former high school – is demolished due to high running costs and a repair bill of more than £3 million.

But news that the Church of Scotland was selling Camelon Parish Church in Dorrator Road and its adjoining hall has led to a rethink.

A report going to councillors later this month confirms that Falkirk Council has been in discussions with the Church of Scotland to buy the building, and the activities now provided at Camelon Education Centre will move to the church rather than to modular buildings.

It had previously been agreed to move Camelon Education Centre's activities to modular buildings, but Falkirk Council is now considering a move to a former local church. (Pic: Michael Gillen)

placeholder image — It had previously been agreed to move Camelon Education Centre's activities to modular buildings, but Falkirk Council is now considering a move to a former local church. (Pic: Michael Gillen)

Last October, councillors agreed that up to £300,000 should be spent to provide modular accommodation to replace the centre, which is well-used and much needed in an area with high levels of deprivation.

Ownership of the units would then have been transferred to Camelon Management Committee, which coordinates all the activities at the venue.

Keeping the centre open was not an option due to the high running costs and backlog of maintenance needing done.

However, since the executive took the decision, the announcement was made that the church and its hall were being sold.

An appraisal found that moving to the church would be the preferred option as “the space better fits the needs of the services and activities they deliver” and would offer “a much longer term, more sustainable option”.

Council officers also welcomed the move as having modular units in the car park of the current education centre would make the mothballing and demolition more challenging.

While an offer has been made, it is based on requirements including a condition survey, valuation and the necessary title checks.

A full report and formal proposal will be presented to Falkirk Council’s executive in due course.

The paper notes that it is expected that the proposals will require no further funding beyond the £300,000 that has previously been agreed for the project.

The update is being provided to councillors as part of a full report on the council’s Strategic Property Review, which saw the closure or transfer of more than 100 properties out of council ownership.

The meeting will take place on January 29 at 10am in Grangemouth Community Education Centre, Abbots Road, Grangemouth. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the council’s YouTube channel.