PLANS to construct a four-platform aerial walkway over Falkirk’s Westfield roundabout could be set to be scrapped due to rising construction costs.
Plans for the walkway were approved in 2021. However, the local authority said that construction costs have significantly increased and now make the ‘iconic’ pedestrian bridge build ‘unaffordable’.
Council officers have responded to the situation by recommending revised plans which replace the walkway with pedestrian/cycle paths separated from the traffic and ground level crossings. The local authority said that the new plan would still deliver the same active travel and economic gains as the original plans, but at a lower cost and with increased environmental benefits.
The council will look to retain £14 million of UK Government funding for the revised proposals through the levelling up fund (LUF). Additional funding for the infrastructure would come from the council’s tax incremental finance (TIF) programme which means business rates fund the costs rather than local residents.
The ongoing TIF programme expects to create an additional 4,000 jobs and 276,000 square metres of extra commercial floorspace over the next 15-years, the council said. There will also be affordable and open market housing brought to the area.
Councillors will meet on May 9 to consider progressing with the revised plans for its A9/A904 road improvement works project, which would see the signalised road crossings come in place of the walkway.
Malcolm Bennie, director of place services, said, “The adapted project would allow Falkirk Council to deliver the vital strategic transport intervention at A9/A904 Westfield. It would achieve all the original vehicle and sustainable transport outcomes, reduce the carbon footprint of the overall project, and potentially be more supported by the community.
“If the local economy grows as we expect then the business rates would fund the investment meaning the council will not need to use any of its own money.
“The scheme would also unlock the Falkirk Gateway Project beside the Forth Valley College campus to deliver a host of new retail, office and leisure opportunities for the local area.
“The focus on sustainable transportation through pedestrian and cycling infrastructure further aligns with the community’s growing aspirations to travel more actively, making the development a welcomed addition to the local landscape.
“It is now for elected members to consider the proposal and decide if this is the right way forward for Falkirk Council.”
