Plans have been revealed for a £150 million regeneration programme in Falkirk.

The town centre Grahamston 'masterplan' proposes a mixed-use development around the Falkirk Grahamston railway station and surrounding area covering some 6.7 acres.

Two main regeneration anchors are planned; a new Civic Centre to house Falkirk Council and its key services and a 500 seat Arts Venue within the immediate town centre. Other proposals include new residential areas, commercial, leisure and retail space as well as improved parking with a new multi-storey car park, public plaza area with landscaping and link bridge improving connectivity, as well as a new link created to the A9.

Around two thirds of the development will be set aside for housing, with approximately 15% for offices, 15% for leisure activities such as the arts venue and hotels, and a further 5% for retail.

-- Advertisement --

Overall, the creation of 300 new homes could attract around 1,000 residents to the area, while 500 jobs would be created as a result of delivering the new commercial space. 100 construction jobs per year would also be created during the project's timeline.

Based on initial plans, the plan could generate over £50m of direct investment for the town centre and an estimated overall boost of nearer £150m for the economy as a whole.

Alistair Campbell OBE, the founder and managing director of property development company Bellair (Scotland) Limited, said: "The Grahamston vision could give a renewed focus to Falkirk Grahamston railway station, turning it into a thriving transport hub. It already benefits from links to Edinburgh – which is just 25 minutes direct – and beyond with Virgin Trains East Coast stopping at Grahamston en-route to London.

"It will also deliver much-needed housing for the centre of Falkirk, creating housing stock with the additional benefit of improved council facilities, shopping, business space and a state-of-the-art Arts venue benefiting the local and wider communities from a cultural perspective with facilities that could attract international performers.

"We believe the plans for the land, which Falkirk Council currently owns the majority of, are achievable."

(LM)