A final draft of the Bo'ness Town Centre Masterplan is set to be presented to the Council Executive on Thursday, 19 March 2026. The report follows two extensive phases of community and business consultation conducted throughout 2025/26 and outlines a strategic vision for the area spanning the next 15 to 20 years.

The proposed framework focuses on celebrating the heritage and waterfront setting of Bo'ness. If approved, the plan will prioritise improving physical connections between the town centre, the Bo'ness foreshore, and the Museum of Scottish Railways. These enhancements include the development of superior walking and cycling routes, alongside upgraded lighting, signage, and wayfinding.

Key recommendations within the masterplan include:

• A summer trial for a motorhome park or temporary campsite near Corbiehall.

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• Environmental improvements such as landscaping, public artwork, and potential shopfront grants for the eastern side of the town centre.

• Revisions to bin storage and collection to declutter the streets and improve the town's aesthetic.

The report acknowledges the importance of local landmarks, including the Hippodrome Cinema, Kinneil Estate, the Town Hall, and the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway, as well as the town's role as a stop on the John Muir Way.

Should the masterplan receive the green light, officers will be instructed to begin immediate work on priority projects, backed by a £500,000 allocation from the Bo'ness Town Centre Regeneration Fund. This initial investment will focus specifically on the links between the town centre and the foreshore. Furthermore, officials will be tasked with identifying external funding to progress subsequent stages of the plan.

Malcolm Bennie, Director of Place Services, said: "This comprehensive masterplan sets out an exciting vision of how Bo'ness can maximise the many assets it has, such as a rich history and beautiful coastal setting. Most importantly it is shaped by the views of local people, businesses and community groups through a varied engagement process. The plan uses that feedback to set a clear long-term framework for how the town centre could develop successfully in the years ahead. The works could be funded by the £500,000 Regeneration Fund allocation for Bo'ness at the 2025/26 budget. It is now up to Councillors to decide if this is the best way forward for the Bo'ness Town Centre."