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Work is starting this week (16 October) on temporary boundary fencing being installed in and around Helix Park and the A9/A904 as part of Falkirk Council’s ongoing road infrastructure improvements in the area.
The temporary fencing is to ensure that the public remains safe while excavation and other works are carried out on widening road access on site.
Fences will mean that a small number of paths will be diverted through the park as well as on neighbouring roads. Signage will be put in place advising the public on alternative routes.
In addition, work will also be taking place along stretches of the pedestrian sections of the A9/A904.
The new road infrastructure will provide access to the Falkirk Gateway development site which will feature a mix of retail, housing, commercial and leisure facilities. The works will also improve access to the Falkirk Stadium site, the Helix and Kelpies Hub, the Forth Valley College site and West Mains area.
Work on the project is expected to last until Easter 2025.
Leader of Falkirk Council, Cecil Meiklejohn explained: “The long-term ambition is to see an empty site transformed into a thriving location that will boost economic prosperity for our area.
“The work is necessary but in the long term we will have better, more greener options for active travel, improved biodiversity and ecology and improved transport links.
“The project has only been possible through the Tax Incremental Finance scheme - a significant initiative delivered in partnership by the Council, the Scottish Government and Scottish Futures Trust that ensures that investment can still take place but not using Council funds.
Project funding of £14 million is coming from the UK Government’s ‘Levelling Up Fund’ and c.£24 million from other public sector sources with no Falkirk Council expenditure.