Community group to take ownership of Polmont Sports Centre
Polmont Sports Centre is set to transfer to a local community group after councillors approved a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) at a meeting of the Executive today (Thursday 23 April 2026).
Polmont Sports Centre Community Group (PSCCG) will take on full ownership of the building for a nominal sum of £1, with Falkirk Council committing up to £232,525 from its Enablement Fund to help modernise the building.
The funding will allow a new boiler and heating controls to be installed alongside solar panels with battery storage. Roof works will help improve insulation. The upgrades are expected to reduce energy costs and support the long-term sustainability of the centre.
Community plans for the centre
As the centre had been identified as no longer required by the Council through the Strategic Property Review (SPR), residents came together to establish PSCCG as a charity to take on its operation.
The group has been running the facility under an interim licence since October last year and has seen use increase. PSCCG has exciting plans to expand the range of activities on offer, with a focus on disability sports alongside chair yoga, walking football and mindfulness sessions. They also hope to develop the outdoor space to include a community and sensory garden.
So far, PSCCG has secured a range of external grant funding to support its work and conducted over 500 door-to-door surveys across the local area to understand what the community wants from the centre.
Paul Kettrick, Head of Investment, Assets & Climate said:
PSCCG has put a lot of work into developing plans for the future of the centre. Their commitment and energy have been clear throughout the process, and they have worked closely with council officers to reach this stage.
“The Enablement Fund will support important improvements to the building, helping manage energy costs and supporting the centre’s long-term use by the community.
“I'd like to thank those involved in PSCCG for their enthusiasm and dedication they've shown in getting to this point, and the council officers who will continue to provide support to help make the transfer a success.
Community transfers
The approval is the latest in a growing programme of community transfers across the Falkirk Council area - a direct result of the SPR, which was launched in 2023 to help reduce the number of ageing and underutilised buildings the Council owns. Since its launch, more than 40 CAT applications have been received and 26 have now been approved.