A new community wing has been proposed for Bo’ness Academy to improve the school’s sports offering.
The facility would feature a 250m² gym with over 40 stations and floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light, as well as accessible changing rooms, a general activity space, and a dedicated reception area.
Falkirk Council said that, if plans are approved, the new wing would also provide access outside of school hours to the school’s existing sport facilities – including a 20m swimming pool, games hall, gymnasium, and dance studio.
The school’s existing changing rooms would also be updated and a new rugby pitch would be created to support Bo’ness Rugby Club’s school of rugby and the academy’s PE programme.
Malcolm Bennie, Falkirk Council’s director of place services, said, “These exciting proposals would provide Bo’ness with a better gym and studio offer than anything the town has previously had, open up access to the academy’s great facilities, and create a new rugby pitch for the Rugby Club and school.”
Two proposals for new facilities in Denny are also under consideration by the council. One involves creating a community wing at Denny High School with a gym, studio space, and modern changing facilities, offering residents a local alternative to the Mariner Centre.
The other proposal is for a standalone fitness facility in Denny town centre, adjacent to the current library. This centrally located facility would increase footfall and complete the £7.9 million Denny town centre regeneration project, the local authority said.
Braes High School presents ‘unique’ challenges due to its topography, but the council has developed four options for new community sports facilities. Each option includes a 250m² fitness suite, changing facilities, and direct access to existing school sports amenities
Malcolm Bennie continued, “The proposals in Denny and the Braes would bring quality sport and leisure facilities to communities that have previously had to travel miles to access such services. We know communities in Bo’ness, Denny and Braes are desperate for these new facilities which is why we have accelerated proposals as fast as possible.
“The new community facilities align with a new proposed strategy for sport and leisure in Falkirk Council over the next 15-20 years, and would help to promote healthier lifestyles and support economic and social wellbeing.”
