A significant shift in property management is underway in Falkirk, with a growing number of council-owned buildings transitioning into community hands.

An update on the Strategic Property Review (SPR), to be presented to Falkirk Council on Thursday, 29 January 2026, reveals that 25 Community Asset Transfers (CAT) have been approved to date, with 16 already legally concluded.

The SPR aims to reduce the Council's reliance on ageing and under-utilised buildings while empowering local groups. Early successes include the Bonnybridge Community Hub—the first property to transfer under the review—and more specialised facilities like the The transition has often resulted in increased building use and access to external funding unavailable to the Council. So far, community groups have secured approximately £760,000 from third-party sources. Work continues on more complex cases, such as Grangemouth Stadium, where a full asset transfer application is currently being assessed.

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The review is delivering substantial financial and environmental gains:

- Savings: Once all phases are complete, the programme is projected to generate net annual savings of over £3.3 million from 2028/29.

- Carbon Reduction: The SPR is expected to cut the Council's building-related carbon emissions by roughly 1,881 tonnes, representing an 11.9% reduction across its operational estate.

- Investment: A £2.4 million Capital Enablement Fund has supported repairs and energy upgrades. Due to the high volume of viable proposals, councillors are now being asked to increase this fund by an additional £1.6 million, funded by the savings generated by the review.

Paul Kettrick, Head of Investment, Assets and Climate, praised the tenacity of local residents and the support provided by council officers.

Mr Kettrick stated: "What has stood out through the SPR is not just the number of asset transfer applications coming forward, but the increasing number that are developing into strong, viable proposals. That reflects both the determination of community groups to take on local buildings and the support and expertise given by Council officers and partners who are working closely with them through what can be a complex process. With community demand exceeding original expectations, it is now for councillors to consider whether some of the savings generated by the review should be reinvested to increase the Enablement Fund."