A £7.6m initiative to regenerate Denny town centre in Falkirk has been given the green light to commence.

In a statement, the local authority said the first stage of preparatory works would start in May 2014.

The plans will see the delivery of 10 new retail units, a library, town square and car parking. A scheduled completion date has been provided of 2017.

For this initial stage of the regeneration, the work will involve:

• The completion of a temporary retail village

• The relocation of a number of retailers and Denny Library to portable accommodation

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• The disconnection of utilities in preparation for on site demolition of 'Block B'.

Later this year, additional work will see the final demolition on the site of Block A and B as well as the start of construction work. Elsewhere, the town's war memorial will also have a new temporary home and will be located within an improved Broompark Memorial Gardens which neighbours Broompark Community Centre. This will be ready by November 2014.

Councillor Dennis Goldie, Falkirk Council's spokesperson for Economic Development, commented: "Work on regenerating Denny's town centre is progressing well and we have been working hard to ensure that the community's vision for the area is delivered.

"We have taken on board many diverse views regarding the temporary location of the war memorial and incorporated some very valid suggestions on the site at Broompark Community Centre.

"We're confident that once completed, the revamped and renewed Denny town centre will deliver the aspirations of the local community."

(JP/IT)