Falkirk Council will consider a £276.6m Capital Plan spanning 2026–31, funding schools, community facilities, transport, parks and digital services.

A report going to the Council meeting on 26 March proposes a five‑year capital programme worth £276.6 million, an increase of £60 million on the previous plan. The package would sit alongside the £240 million for Council Housing approved in January 2026.

Capital funding is reserved for long‑term projects such as construction, major refurbishments and infrastructure upgrades and cannot support day‑to‑day services. The proposals also set out the use of ring‑fenced Council Tax, which must be directed to capital investment rather than routine service delivery.

A key strand is continued investment in schemes already under way or moving forward in 2026/27. This includes the new Falkirk Town Hall, part of the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, with around £64.8 million in the programme to advance design, planning and construction. The venue is intended to be a regional centre for arts and culture, incorporating a new central library and a public services hub. Members will also be asked to approve a public consultation to name the building.

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Education proposals include £29.2 million for an extension to the Carrongrange ASN campus, expanding specialist provision for children and young people with complex additional support needs in modern, accessible facilities. The programme also allocates £12.8 million to reinstate Maddiston Primary School following earlier damage, with a target reopening in August 2027.

In sport and leisure, funding would support projects in Bo'ness and Denny. A new stand‑alone sports facility is planned for Denny town centre to aid regeneration and improve access to local sport, while Bo'ness Academy would gain a modern fitness suite, upgraded changing areas and multi‑functional rooms.

The ring‑fenced Council Tax would back additional investment in roads in 2026/27, reflecting community feedback. About £76.8 million is earmarked for roads, bridges and transport infrastructure, covering resurfacing, bridge works, safety measures and schemes aligned to the Council's active travel strategy, along with improvements to key connections and projects linked to the Tax Incremental Financing programme.

Parks, cemeteries and open spaces would receive £3.6 million for play area upgrades, better outdoor spaces and expanded cemetery provision. A further £10.8 million is proposed for ICT and digital infrastructure, continuing the Connected Falkirk programme that provides devices and learning tools for pupils, and strengthening the secure core systems and networks that underpin Council services.

Amanda Templeman, Chief Finance Officer, said: "Capital investment allows the Council to maintain and improve the buildings, roads and facilities that communities rely on every day.

"By planning investment over several years, we can prioritise the most important projects and ensure that resources, including ring-fenced Council Tax funding, are directed towards long-term improvements that support residents, services and local economic development.

"While financial pressures remain, it is important that we continue to invest in our infrastructure so that facilities remain safe, modern and able to meet the needs of our communities in the future.

"If councillors approve the recommendations, the programme would support a range of projects designed to maintain and improve local facilities while also investing in new infrastructure that supports communities and economic development."