Two days of events and an exhibition in Falkirk’s town centre will help mark the conclusion of a five year £5.5m investment in Falkirk’s historic town centre at the end of September.

Funded  by The National Lottery, Historic Environment Scotland (through their Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme) and private property owners, the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) project has helped to regenerate the town centre’s conservation area by improving its physical appearance and grant funding protection and re-use of some of the town centre’s historic buildings.

Free drop-in events take place on Friday 3rd August and Saturday 4th August on the High Street in Falkirk town centre and feature a range of activities for all ages.

These include: a building repairs surgery where private property owners can discuss any problems with experts; an exhibition of how Falkirk has changed over the past five years; tours of the town centre; kids arts workshops; cooking demonstrations; a children’s trail through the town centre and the ‘Big Bike Bestival’ – with bike health checks; stunt bike displays and live music.

The building repair surgery is particularly suited to people who live in older, traditional properties as these buildings have been the focus of the THI work.

Over the past five years, the Falkirk THI project has seen a number of locations in Falkirk town centre improved as well as six empty properties brought back into use.

Councillor David Alexander, spokesperson for Economic Development said: “The THI has improved the economic and social success of Falkirk Town Centre by creating a high quality urban environment where people want to spend their time and money.

“The investment of more than £5m is significant at a time the economy is affecting so many retailers and their decision to remain in town centres across the country.

“We’re grateful to our funders in supporting the project but especially to the property owners and local businesses who hopefully now can see the benefits of the work that has been carried out.

“Preserving and enhancing our historic town centre has been a worthwhile venture and local residents and visitors alike will see the benefits this work can bring.”

Examples of the work carried out as part of Falkirk’s THI include the transformation of Falkirk’s Steeple; work on properties on Manor Street, Vicar Street, High Street and the Cow Wynd as well as new streetscape works and restoration of two war memorials in Newmarket Street.

Full details of the event can be found at the Falkirk THI website.