The Newmarket Street and Lint Riggs public realm improvement works are now complete making Falkirk’s historic town centre a safer and more accessible space for local people and visitors to the town.
With extensive engagement undertaken before the work began, the 30-week project blended three separate projects – roads maintenance, bus stop relocation and public realm upgrade works – addressing long-standing community concerns around pedestrian safety, anti-social behaviour and improve accessibility for all.
Now complete, a range of improvements have been made to this busy retail and transport hub including bus stop relocations, lower kerbs, high-quality stonework, new seating areas and trees.
While the bus stop improvement works were being carried out McGill’s redirected buses, however all buses reverted back to the original routes on Monday 20 November 2023.
Falkirk Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn said: "We are delighted that the project has been delivered on time and within the agreed budget as this represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to creating a safer and more accessible town centre.
“We understand the inconvenience caused by this period of work, especially around the necessary and unavoidable diversions, and want to thank everyone for their patience and hope that the improvements will enhance this important area of the town and will improve the safety and accessibility for everyone.”
Pictured above: Graeme Leslie, McGill's General Manager for Scotland East and Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn
In an effort to reduce disruption, the Council took the decision to incorporate road maintenance to run alongside the public realm improvements and McGills Buses worked closely with the project team to incorporate their own bus stop relocation at the same time in a bid to reduce the impact on local businesses and town centre users.
Moving now into the important Christmas period for local business Falkirk Council has launched a range of grants and initiatives to support businesses through the well-documented economic challenges across the country. Support for digital enhancement, energy efficiency, HR support including upskilling staff and other help is available to eligible businesses.
The Council is also providing financial support to its partner organisation Falkirk Delivers to launch the ‘Rediscover Falkirk and District towns’ campaign which aims to reconnect local people to the benefits of shopping local, supporting jobs and boosting the economy. The area has several independent retailers that offer a unique shopping experience and superb customer service and the promotional initiative is open to all Falkirk and district towns businesses. Also launching soon, Falkirk Delivers will be offering one to one support for businesses wishing to improve their window displays and merchandising. Register interest with Falkirk Delivers.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, added: “We are keen to support local businesses during these challenging economic times and trust that local people will continue to support our local businesses during the festive period and beyond.”
Falkirk Delivers Ltd, who operate the Falkirk Business Improvement District, continues to receive financial support from the Council to help promote the town centre and improve safety and security as well as the local environment.