The regeneration of Denny Town Centre is set to progress, following today's (23rd June) approval by Falkirk Council of a revised transformation scheme for the town. The new scheme will see the demolition of the Church Walk blocks and the provision of a new foodstore, retail space and public library, with the Council working alongside existing developer Henry Boot Developments plc.
Due to the impact of the economic downturn on commercial developments throughout the UK, the previous proposals for Denny put forward by the developer were no longer viable, forcing the Council to explore alternatives. Following detailed examination of legal and financial options, the Council has concluded that proceeding with an amended development agreement with Henry Boot was the most viable solution.
Councillor Craig Martin, Leader of the Council, said, "The Council has always recognised the urgent need to regenerate Denny Town Centre and understands the community's concerns but the recession inevitably had an impact on our original proposals. Strenuous efforts have been made to find alternative ways of progressing this important project and I am confident that we have secured the best possible solution for Denny in the current climate."
The proposal to seek a new development agreement with Henry Boot was approved following detailed consideration of alternative options. It would include a foodstore, retail space and a new public library and realise the original ambition for a complete regeneration of Denny Town Centre, while reducing costs in some areas, such as design and infrastructure work, and by removing some housing and office provision from the scheme.
The timescale for the development is likely to be six years but the Council has set aside funds to acquire and demolish properties in the Church Walk block on Duke Street during 2010-2012.
Councillor Martin said, "We appreciate that for the Denny Community the demolition of Church Walk will be the most powerful symbol of the town centre's regeneration and securing this was a priority for the Council."
Currently the blocks are regularly inspected and essential repairs are carried out to make sure that they meet health and safety regulations and this will continue until they are demolished.
Councillor Martin said, "The regeneration of Denny Town Centre is a key Council priority and it's disappointing that the delivery of the original masterplan has been affected by the economic recession. This has been a frustrating time for the local community and we would thank them for their patience, however we are pleased that we now have a solution which will allow the project to move forward and will provide more detailed information to the community at an early date."