They will also be asked to support the development of a detailed business case for major investment at Braes High School, which remains subject to future approval, and to consider the best option for essential building works at Maddiston Primary School.

A report going before the Falkirk Council Executive on Thursday, 19 June, sets out how the proposed strategy will provide value for money, reduce risk, and keep project timescales on track through contract appointments. It will also look at how officers can bring in experienced teams to support and manage the successful delivery of the projects.

The approach includes appointing one contractor to manage the construction of the new community sports and leisure facilities at Bo’ness Academy and in Denny Town Centre, alongside technical consultants who would support design and delivery at both sites and help develop the business case for Braes.

If approved, the procurement process would commence the week beginning 23 June 2025, with appointments expected later in the summer. 

Site preparations underway at Bo’ness

Design development is already progressing at Bo’ness Academy to prepare for the proposed new £4.3 million community sport and leisure wing, the first new facility of its kind to be built in the council’s Sport and Leisure Investment Programme.

Site investigations are underway, statutory consents progressing, and internal school alterations are currently being finalised. If the procurement strategy is approved, construction is anticipated to start in late 2025 /early 2026, with completion targeted for autumn/winter 2026.

The project involves several complex elements that require careful planning and management, including the demolition of the neighbouring former recreation centre – which involves asbestos removal – and the transition of the Academy from public-private partnership (PPP) back to council ownership in August.  

Update on Denny

The Denny project – a standalone facility in the town centre – forms part of phase two of the Sport and Leisure Investment Programme and is projected to cost £5.3m.

It is anticipated that work will start in spring / summer 2026 and be complete by summer/autumn 2027. The project represents a further phase of the regeneration of Denny Town Centre.

Site investigations and design development are already underway, alongside work to progress statutory consents and preparation of a business case.  

Update on Braes

Officers are continuing to develop a business case that considers the provision of community sport and leisure facilities together with future education accommodation needs within Braes High School.

The business case is proposed to be considered by members in December 2025 and if the project is approved to proceed in principle, the required investment would be considered as part of the 2026/27 budget setting process. Indicative costs for the Braes project are estimated at £7.5m.

To support the development of the business case, the proposals include commissioning technical advisers at the same time as those for Bo’ness and Denny – helping to ensure consistency, deliver efficiencies, and make best use of available funding.

Malcolm Bennie, director of Place Services, said: “Sport and leisure facilities are a key part of healthy and thriving communities – but this investment is about more than just buildings. It’s about creating high-quality facilities that meet local needs and expectations. These proposals lay out a clear route from planning to delivery and support our approved approach for sport and leisure provision through hub and spoke models across the council area. It is now for councillors to decide whether we should move forward with the procurement strategy laid out in the report.”

Maddiston Primary School building works

Also this month, Falkirk Council’s Executive will consider a report outlining the proposed approach to identify a contractor to carry out major repair works at Maddiston Primary School. 

The school is currently closed and pupils decanted to other campuses after extensive investigations identified widespread structural defects, initially uncovered after damage caused by Storm Eowyn earlier this year.

Since then, the council has appointed Hub East Central to provide strategic support services, including project management, architectural, and structural engineering input. A construction quality review and a separate root cause analysis are also now underway. These will inform not only the repair works at Maddiston Primary School but also any potential future actions and wider lessons for future capital investment across the school estate.

The proposed procurement strategy recommends progressing the works through HUBco and their supply chain, with the appointment of a Tier 1 contractor once the full scope of works has been confirmed. This approach is expected to allow mobilisation on site at the earliest opportunity.

The full re-opening of the school is currently projected for Summer 2026 and this will be kept under review with confirmation being made following the appointment of the main contractor.

An initial capital allocation of £5m has been identified within the council’s budget. Final costs will be confirmed following completion of detailed investigations and the competitive procurement process for the main contractor.

A project board is overseeing the works, which includes senior officers from Education and Place Services and is supported by external specialists. Communications with parents, staff, and elected members will continue throughout.

Paul Kettrick, head of Investment, Assets and Climate, said: “This has been a complex and urgent response to significant construction issues that have been identified at the school.

“Our focus is on delivering the necessary remedial works safely and to the highest standard as quickly as possible. The proposed approach will allow us to proceed efficiently while ensuring that upon completion we are satisfied the building is free of defects and meets all structural and condition requirements.”

The Executive will be asked to consider and approve the proposed procurement strategy at its meeting on 19 June 2025.