Pictured: Council Leader Cecil Meiklejohn (centre) and Deputy Leader Paul Garner (back left) visit the demolition site with council officers and representatives from David Morton Ltd.
The east end of Falkirk High Street is set to close over four consecutive Saturday nights to allow for the continued demolition of the former Callendar Square shopping centre.
The demolition – undertaken by David Morton Ltd on behalf of Falkirk Council - is part of a much larger project that will see Falkirk's new town hall built on the cleared site.
As an anchor project in the council’s town centre masterplan, the new town hall will support the regeneration of the high street and attract inward investment that will benefit the whole area.
Closure details
Currently, work is focused on the demolition of the Callendar Riggs side of the former shopping centre. Once completed, the demolition will shift to the section of the building that sits on Falkirk High Street.
To safely bring down the High Street side of the centre, demolition will take place over four consecutive Saturday nights, starting on Saturday, 28 September and concluding on Saturday, 19 October. To minimise disruption, the work will take place between 8pm on Saturday and 8am on Sunday.
Two closure points will be set up on the east end of the High Street during these periods, and a diversion route put in place. The closure area and diversion route are pictured below.
During the closures, David Morton Ltd will have banksmen present at both ends of the closure area to guide pedestrians and ensure safe access to properties.
Emergency services will have full access to the area during the closures.
Progress made
Since work to demolish the former shopping centre and Antonine Hotel started in April this year, much has been achieved, not least the removal of the link bridge between the centre and car park, clearance of all asbestos, and 25% of the main buildings.
Video: Courtesy of Scotdrone.
Cllr Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, said:
"The demolition of Callendar Square and the Antonine Hotel marks a significant moment for the future of Falkirk’s town centre. The new town hall is central to our vision for a vibrant and thriving High Street, and while these closures may cause temporary disruption, they are crucial to ensuring the safe completion of this phase of work. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of residents and businesses as we move forward with this ambitious project."
For those wishing to learn more about the project’s progress, detailed plans are available at the Falkirk BID Office on 104 High Street, Falkirk Library on Hope Street, and online through the council’s website.
If you have any concerns or questions about the closures, please email replacementtownhallproject@falkirk.gov.uk.
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