A new tourism strategy aims to increase visitor expenditure by 20% over the next five years, the transfer of Sunnyside Sports Pavillion and a replacement GoCard Scheme will all be discussed at the meeting.
No decision will be made on any recommendation made within these reports until the Executive meets on 13 June. You can
watch the meeting live from 10am on the day.
Some of the key reports being discussed include:
Tourism Strategy 2023-2028
A new tourism strategy will be presented to elected members which sets out plans to increase visitor expenditure by 20% over the next five years to 2028.
Falkirk’s tourism has been a success story over the past decade, stimulated in part by the unique attractions of The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel. Tourism and the visitor economy is important to Falkirk and creates and supports a wide range of jobs and businesses.
The proposed strategy builds on the previous approach approved in 2015 taking into account successes, and the subsequent impact of Covid -19 to chart a way forward. It draws upon a robust evidence base, the views of partners, stakeholders and businesses, and the response to the current economic challenges encapsulated in local regional and national strategies.
It identifies where growth is likely to come from and how the sector can respond to market trends and demands.
Read the report
Community Asset Transfer – Sunnyside Sports Pavilion
Elected members will discuss recommendations to transfer Sunnyside Sports Pavilion from the Council’s ownership to Falkirk Rugby Football & Sports Club (FRFSC) by Community Asset Transfer (CAT).
Located in Camelon, FRFSC currently leases land at Sunnyside playing fields on a long-term ground lease from the Council and is the main user of the facilities.
FRFSC have secured £250,000 from the Scottish Rugby Union to support planned works which include installation of a sustainable heating and hot water system, underfloor heating, air-source heat pump and a replacement boiler which will have an immediate positive impact on the national 2045 net zero target.
If the CAT is approved, ownership would allow further funding opportunities to be sought and redevelopment and expansion of the Pavilion could include four full-sized changing rooms, two referee changing rooms, a new physio/first aid suite, extended gym, and new laundry room.
Malcolm Bennie, Director of Place Services said: “The proposal would align with community empowerment, and create the opportunity for significant investment to improve facilities that would support health and wellbeing. It is now for Elected Members to decide if this is the right approach to take.”
Read the report
Enhancement of Go Card provision
Members will consider a replacement GoCard scheme – named GoCard PLUS – which retains all current benefits of the GoCard as well as expanding free membership to care experienced young people and asylum seekers in the area.
Read the report