Improvements to Bonnybridge's memorial gardens completed ahead of Remembrance Sunday
Improvement works at Bonnybridge Memorial Park have been completed in time for this year’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
The reopening of the memorial gardens marks the completion of the second phase of Falkirk Council’s £500,000 Regeneration Fund investment in the town.
Work to enhance Memorial Park started in July and were completed this month as part of a coordinated programme of work, timed to enable the Remembrance events to take place as normal.
The improvement focused on creating a welcoming, inclusive space that supports both quiet reflection and community gatherings throughout the year, enhancing accessibility with new and upgraded pathways, including lowered gradients; enhanced seating and rest areas; improved hardstanding areas around the flagpole and monuments to make community events easier to host and upgraded railings and the installation of CCTV.
New trees and shrubs will be planted and landscaping undertaken to improve biodiversity and appearance.
Councillor Paul Garner, spokesperson for economic development, said: “Memorial Park holds huge significance for the community. It’s fantastic to see the improvements made in time for Remembrance commemorations.
"They make the gardens more accessible, more welcoming and somewhere the whole community can be proud of.”
The Memorial Park improvement work is the second phase of Bonnybridge’s regeneration programme, following phase one works at Bonnybridge Toll, which saw major resurfacing and public realm upgrades completed earlier this year.
Together, the two phases represent a c£460,000 investment in the town, with £400,000 from the Council’s Regeneration Fund and £60,000 from the Roads capital budget, which is supporting wider investment to improve road surfaces across the area. A further £9,702 of planning obligation funding has also been invested.
A further £100,000 from the Regeneration Fund has been allocated to create a new pump track at Anderson Park, being delivered in partnership with the Green Action Trust. The track will provide a safe, purpose-built space for cycling and wheeled sports, designed in response to community feedback.
Cllr Garner said: "By combining roads, parks and public realm improvements, we are helping to make Bonnybridge even more attractive, accessible and better connected – key priorities for the people who live here.
“The Regeneration Fund was created to deliver exactly these kinds of projects, ones shaped by what local people have told us, that make lasting improvements, and ensure our towns and villages are more accessible and welcoming for all.”
The Regeneration Fund, approved by councillors in March 2023, is designed to support infrastructure improvements and community-driven regeneration in our town centres and smaller settlements facing significant economic and environmental challenges.
By engaging in community consultations, the Council ensures projects funded by the Regeneration Fund align with local needs, creating a model for future regeneration efforts across the local area.
Local areas to benefit from the fund include Slamannan and Bonnybridge where work has started on the improvement works.
Community engagement has been completed in Dunipace and Bainsford and Langlees, with council officers currently developing projects based on feedback from residents.
Work to develop projects for Bo’ness and Camelon/Tamfourhill is also underway. Draft Masterplans for these areas are progressing and will help guide and prioritise future investment through the Regeneration Fund.
The Bo’ness Masterplan is scheduled to undergo a final period of engagement in November 2025 and is expected to be considered by Council Executive in early 2026. Engagement on the Camelon and Tamfourhill Masterplan is anticipated to begin in early 2026, continuing the Council’s commitment to involving local communities in shaping investment priorities across the area.