Councillors to consider major investment programme for communities and services
Councillors will consider plans later this month for a major programme of investment in Falkirk area facilities, infrastructure and services over the next five years.
A report to be discussed at the Council meeting on 26 March sets out a proposed £276.6 million capital investment programme covering 2026 to 2031. This represents a £60m increase from the previous five-year programme.
The programme focuses on improving schools, community facilities, transport infrastructure, parks and digital services across the council area. This investment is in addition to the £240m agreed for Council Housing in January 2026.
Capital investment funds long-term projects such as new buildings, major upgrades and infrastructure improvements and cannot be used for day-to-day service delivery. The proposed programme also includes the allocation of ring-fenced Council Tax funding, which must be used for capital investment rather than day-to-day services.
A significant element of the programme is continued investment in major projects already underway or in development over 2026/27.
Plans include further progress on the new Falkirk Town Hall, which forms part of the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal. Around £64.8 million is included in the programme to allow the project to move through the next stages of design, planning and construction.
The new venue is intended to become a regional centre for arts and culture and will also house a new central library and public services hub. Members are also being asked to agree a public consultation to name the new Town Hall.
Investment in learning
Investment is also planned in the learning estate, including £29.2 million for the Carrongrange ASN campus extension. The development would expand specialist provision for children and young people with complex additional support needs. The project is expected to provide modern facilities designed to support learning and accessibility.
The programme also supports the reinstatement of Maddiston Primary School, with £12.8 million allocated to rebuild the school following earlier damage. Work is progressing with a target of reopening the school in August 2027.
Sports and leisure
Councillors will also consider investment in sports and leisure facilities, with funding directed towards projects in Bo’ness and Denny. A new stand-alone sports facility is planned for Denny town centre, which is expected to contribute to wider town centre regeneration and improve access to local sporting opportunities. At Bo’ness Academy a modern fitness suite, changing facilities and multi-functional rooms for group activities together with associated improvements are planned.
Alongside these major projects, the programme includes substantial investment in the infrastructure that supports everyday services across the area. The ringfenced Council Tax supports additional investment for 2026/27 in roads, responding to the views of our communities.
Around £76.8 million is allocated for roads, bridges and transport infrastructure, supporting resurfacing programmes, bridge works, road safety improvements and projects linked to the council’s active travel strategy. This includes improvements to key road connections and work linked to the Tax Incremental Financing programme.
Investment is also planned in parks, cemeteries and open spaces, with £3.6 million allocated to improvements across the council area. This includes upgrading play areas, improving outdoor spaces and expanding cemetery provision.
The programme also includes £10.8 million for ICT and digital infrastructure, including continued investment in the Connected Falkirk programme, which provides digital devices and learning tools for pupils across Falkirk schools. Funding also supports the Council’s core digital systems and networks that enable services to be delivered securely and efficiently.
Amanda Templeman, Chief Finance Officer, said:
Capital investment allows the Council to maintain and improve the buildings, roads and facilities that communities rely on every day.
“By planning investment over several years, we can prioritise the most important projects and ensure that resources, including ring-fenced Council Tax funding, are directed towards long-term improvements that support residents, services and local economic development.
“While financial pressures remain, it is important that we continue to invest in our infrastructure so that facilities remain safe, modern and able to meet the needs of our communities in the future.
“If councillors approve the recommendations, the programme would support a range of projects designed to maintain and improve local facilities while also investing in new infrastructure that supports communities and economic development.