UP to 1,660 jobs are to be created as a result of the signing of the £148.7 million Falkirk and Grangemouth growth deal, Falkirk Council has said.
The agreement, which was penned today, means that 11 projects can be taken forward – including the development of a carbon dioxide utilisation centre and a bioeconomy accelerator pilot plant in Grangemouth.
Elsewhere, a new canal centre and workshop will be built at Loch 16 in Camelon by restoring three derelict warehouses and building a new operational hub; a skills transition centre at Forth Valley College; and unused land at three sites in Grangemouth will be transformed to create development-ready investment opportunities.
Further to this, £21 million will be invested in two interconnected projects – a rail station and interchange hub and the green cycling and pedestrian network – to improve Falkirk’s public and active travel infrastructure.
The £80 million growth deal is jointly funded from the UK and Scottish Governments and is complemented by a further £10 million from the UK Government for future energy related projects in Grangemouth and £10 million allocated to the greener Grangemouth programme from the Scottish Government. With Falkirk Council investing £45m and Scottish Canals investing £3.7m, the overall growth deal investment is £148.7m.
Kate Forbes, deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for economy and Gaelic at the Scottish Government, said, “The Falkirk and Grangemouth region has a rich history with a strong industrial heritage, a proud community and significant tourist attractions.
“The Scottish Government’s £50 million investment will deliver projects to ensure the area continues to thrive, bringing jobs, active travel links, future skills training and new arts and cultural spaces.
“The Growth Deal will support the region to grasp the opportunities of the transition to net zero and remain at the forefront of innovation and manufacturing in Scotland, complemented by a community-led programme of projects in Grangemouth.”
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council, added, “The growth deal is a turning point for our community, bringing jobs, investment, and sustainable development. We are proud to partner in this project, which will elevate Falkirk and Grangemouth as vibrant, connected, and forward-looking areas for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
“It is one of a suite of programmes and major investment opportunities set for delivery in 2025. The growth deal skills transition centre, canal centre, and Falkirk arts centre will progress at pace in 2025, the Falkirk tax incremental finance programme is already delivering results with projects such as the A9/Grandsable Road junction completed earlier this year, and the Forth Green Freeport now open for business and actively promoting investment opportunities in the area. It is an exciting time for the Falkirk Council area”
