FALKIRK Council has agreed plans for a new modular community building to replace the ageing Camelon Education Centre.
The move comes following months of engagement between the local authority and the Camelon Management Committee, with the move set to ensure local activities and services can continue.
Detailed condition surveys confirmed that the centre – which spans 4,465m² – carries an estimated £3.3 million in backlog maintenance, has ‘significant’ annual running costs, and an energy rating of G, would not be financially viable to modernise or operate under a CAT model.
Councillors therefore approved the option of a modern, modular unit being installed on the current site – providing purpose-built, energy-efficient accommodation for local groups.
Falkirk Council added that the closure of the centre will result in a saving of £278,510 per year, with the £300,000 cost of installing the new unit funded through the council’s strategic property review (SPR) £3 million enabling fund.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council, said, “Given the condition and running costs of the existing centre, we are taking a responsible and realistic approach that provides best value while ensuring Camelon still has a place for people to come together to learn, socialise, and support one another.
“The new facility will give the community a modern, manageable space that can be shaped around their needs for the future. We’ll continue to work closely with the management committee to support the transition and their plans for a community asset transfer.”
