The Scottish Government remains committed to taking every measure possible to ensure that our towns are vibrant places. Two key interlinked themes within the Town Centre Action Plan are supporting Vibrant Local Economies and Enterprising Communities and there is no better example in Scotland than Falkirk to demonstrate the success of these approaches.
For too long Falkirk was the town nestled between the M9 and M80 which always felt a bit difficult to get to. However, over the past 10 years or more Falkirk has invested heavily in its visitor, education and enterprise infrastructure and today we can see some of the fantastic outcomes they have achieved. Falkirk is now ranked above average in most of Scotland’s educational benchmarks, including positive destinations. Along with its two railway stations, this helps encourage the growth of inward investment of both new residents and businesses which keeps the local economy strong.
We have seen the town completely reinvent itself by developing the Falkirk Wheel alongside the Helix Park and Kelpies. By linking these relatively new attractions to a vibrant town centre and existing tourism assets such as the stretch of Antonine Wall and Forth and Clyde Canal, it is clear to see that Falkirk has taken an enterprising approach on all levels and offers a wide range of day visitor attractions.
Key to ensuring the joining up of these attractions is the Falkirk Delivers BID which works closely with colleagues in the Council, Historic Scotland, the Falkirk Community Trust and Scottish Canals. In terms of supporting enterprise, Falkirk worked with the Can Do innovation Towns team to deliver a new enterprise hub which will complement the already established Falkirk Business Hub.
These two facilities will offer a range of traditional business start-up and incubation space, small modern and well connected offices and the opportunities for co-working environments, which has seen huge growth across the country in the last couple of years.
Situated in the heart of the town, the facilities will increase town centre footfall, create new business and employment opportunities and further enhance the towns reputation as a hotspot for enterprise and innovation.
In addition, the owner of the Howgate shopping centre is also piloting projects to allow test trading and pop-up shops to encourage more residents to start up in business in the town.
The town also will benefit from an estimated £5.5m Townscape Heritage Initiative fund which will be used to improve the dominant Steeple using traditional crafts, as well as making further improvements to the historic built environment, shop fronts and public realm within the town centre.
All good news for residents and visitors alike. As for innovation, take a look at the Falkirk Loop bus service (or the pink buses as they are known locally). This innovative hourly service takes visitors from the town to the key attractions and back, a great sustainable way to ensure everyone will remember their day out in Falkirk.
Falkirk is well and truly back on the map in Scotland and will be showcased for all to see as the host venue for the national towns conference in November this year.
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