LAND to the rear of the Falkirk Community Stadium has been announced as the site recommended for a new council leisure and wellbeing hub.
Falkirk councillors will consider later this month whether to agree the project moves to the next stage with a feasibility study and the development of a full business case. If so, detailed work would be carried out to assess feasibility, costs and delivery options.
The local authority added that, at this time, there is no funding available to pay for a new hub and this challenge would be considered as part of any future report.
A new leisure and wellbeing facility would sit at the heart of the council’s emerging 10-year sport and leisure strategy, forming the central ‘hub’ within the model approved in June 2024. Initial work suggests a hub should feature a range of facilities including a competition-style swimming pool; separate teaching and water-play pool; large fitness suite and studio spaces; multi-court sports hall and specialist sports areas; family facilities and health suite; and astro pitches.
These features reflect the outcomes of community engagement undertaken by the council that have highlighted a demand for modern, inclusive and accessible facilities, with swimming and fitness identified as top priorities.
A report on the plans notes the stadium site has been identified as the preferred option at this stage due to its size, good transport links, council ownership, and opportunities for partnership working. It is also estimated to be within a 20-minute drive of more than 80% of the Falkirk Council population.
The report also notes that greater long-term benefits would be achieved by focusing future capital investment on a single central hub rather than upgrading multiple ageing facilities, with The Mariner Centre and Grangemouth Sports Complex remaining open until any new central hub is delivered.
Michael McGuinness, head of growth, planning, sport & culture at Falkirk Council, said, “This work is about planning for the long term and using the evidence from our engagement to help shape the future of sport and leisure across the whole Falkirk Council area. We have identified a preferred site for any future central hub and if councillors agree we would then properly test whether it is feasible and affordable. It is important to note that there is no budget allocated to this long-term project and that would need to be considered in any future update.”
