The first study visit to be arranged by the Town Centres and Local High Streets learning network- in partnership with Falkirk Council, 'My Futures in Falkirk' and Falkirk Business Improvement District (BID) - took place on September 30, 2009.
Members visited:
- Bo'ness: The Bo'ness Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and harbour/foreshore regeneration project with ING Real Estates has the potential to transform the prospects of the area. The aim is to create a vibrant waterside quarter linked to the historic town centre providing new homes and leisure opportunities. Members also visited Scotland's first purpose built cinema, The Hippodrome, recently opened as the Critical Project of the THI.
- Stenhousemuir: The town has undergone major regeneration work over the last few years - starting with Falkirk Council looking at land assets they had available to encourage private sector leverage to development and then delivery by Macdonald Estates plc. Developments include a new health centre and library, and reconfiguration of the town centre.
- Falkirk BID: Established in May 2008, the Falkirk BID aims to create a business-led programme of investment with the aim of increasing the number of people shopping, visiting, working and investing in Falkirk town centre. The BID manager led a tour of some of the projects the BID has undertaken since its inception.