More than £12 million will be invested by Falkirk Council in culture and leisure services over the next year.
The money will support the activities of Falkirk Community Trust – which runs a range of facilities, from the award-winning Helix Park and the Kelpies to Grangemouth Sports Complex – on behalf of the local authority.
At its budget meeting, the Council agreed to grant fund £11.4 million towards the Trust’s day-to-day running costs for the next financial year. The charity will boost its income through fees and charges and fundraising.
The Council grant package includes extra money from the local authority to retain the heritage learning and outdoor activities team within the Community Trust.
The Council also agreed to continue to cover the cost of the area’s main fireworks display at Callendar Park in November, to support public safety.
In addition to revenue funding, the local authority supported an enhanced payment of more than £800,000 to support capital projects. This will include:
- replacing seating and theatre lighting at Falkirk Town Hall;
- improving the fabric of historic Callendar House Museum;
- improvements to the roof and toilets at the Mariner Centre in Camelon; and
- improving plant and machinery at Grangemouth Sports Centre, as well as improvements to the centre’s sauna area.
The money will also cover investment in sports pavilions, with Westquarter and Stirling Road to be prioritised.
The Council had previously endorsed the Trust’s business plan, which aims to grow external income and secure efficiency savings.
Falkirk Council’s spokesman for culture, leisure and tourism, Councillor Adrian Mahoney, said: “We’re pleased to offer a strong support package to the Trust for the next financial year. The charity delivers a range of services on behalf of the council and this money will place the Trust on a strong footing to move forward.”
He added: “Worries about government cuts – and cuts to the council - led to an expectation that some key teams within the Trust would be wound up. Luckily, we’ve been able to find more money to keep these services going. This is welcome.
“In addition, we’ve been encouraging the Trust to explore new opportunities to offer additional services to schools, which are being given enhanced levels of funding.
“There is no doubt there will still be public sector austerity and real challenges in the years ahead.
“However, the Trust has some amazing assets – such as historic Callendar House and the Helix Visitor Centre. It has also increased its turnover and visitor numbers in many locations. I hope Trust staff and its board continue to build on this success, supported by the efforts of the Council, as its key funder.”
Ian Scott, Chairman of Falkirk Community Trust, said: “The Trust is delighted to receive the news that Falkirk Council is supporting investment to develop key facilities such as FTH, Callendar House and The Mariner Centre among others.
“The reduction to the previous proposed budget cut has also allowed us to carry on the work the Outdoor Activities team does within schools as well as the Community, not to mention our Heritage Learning activities and of course the annual Fireworks celebration at Callendar Park.
“Strong partnership working with the Council will allow us to continue to deliver such vital community services. We welcome the announcement from Falkirk Council and we are anticipating a busy, productive year ahead.”