A 58-acre canal site in Falkirk could soon see a multi-million pound transformation and regeneration into an environmentally sustainable waterway community.

Plans to redevelop the Tamfourhill area to the east of the town were unveiled today at a meeting of Falkirk Council's Policy and Resources Committee where members gave their backing to the ambitious plans put forward by Falkirk Council and British Waterways Scotland.

The plans would see a development based around mixed-use family housing; commercial land use and a marina complex for leisure based activities.

The site (running approximately one mile from The Falkirk Wheel to Lock 16 on the Forth and Clyde canal) will also see an 'unlocking' of the many benefits arising from canal development such as economic investment, development of housing and commercial premises and spin off benefits through tourism to the local area.

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Falkirk Council and British Waterways Scotland intend to enter into a collaboration agreement where both partners will invest in taking forward the development through the sale of existing land enabling the relocation of existing businesses in the area. Previously contaminated land within the site has now been cleaned and replanting is taking place with new trees and other green areas.

Maureen Campbell, Director of Community Services for Falkirk Council said: "This is a great redevelopment opportunity that could bring many jobs and prosperity to the Falkirk Council area and will see a large area of land redeveloped in a sustainable and economically attractive way.

"Our plans are ambitious however we have already seen interest from well-known developers who have expressed their desire to development plans taken forward for the area. This ambition coupled with community consultation will ensure that the Tamfourhill area will undoubtedly have some fantastic development opportunities in the next few years."

Steve Dunlop, Director, British Waterways Scotland said: "Specifically, it offers an ideal opportunity to dramatically improve the environment around The Falkirk Wheel and enhance the wider local surroundings. We are very excited to reach this milestone and look forward to engaging with local communities and stakeholders as we move forward."

The next stages will be the preparation of an outline planning application and then the search for a development partner who will bring together community and partner aspirations for the scheme.

(GK/JM)