The decision follows months of engagement between Council officers and the Camelon Management Committee, who had submitted an expression of interest to take on the existing building through a Community Asset Transfer (CAT).

However, detailed condition surveys confirmed that the centre, which spans 4,465m², carries an estimated £3.3m in backlog maintenance, has significant annual running costs and an energy rating of G, would not be financially viable to modernise or operate under a CAT model.

Councillors approved a more sustainable option at a meeting of the Executive last week, which will see a modern, modular unit installed on the current site, providing purpose-built, energy-efficient accommodation for local groups.

The closure of the centre will result in a saving of £278,510 per year, with the £300,000 cost of installing the new unit funded through the council’s Strategic Property Review (SPR) £3m Enabling Fund.

The council is also supporting the relocation of Phoenix Boxing Club, currently based in the centre’s Olympic Hall, to a new space in the Mariner Centre. Since launching the SPR in 2023, community groups have submitted more than 40 Expressions of Interest and CAT applications, with 20 transfers approved by the Executive to date.

As well as reducing the number of older, inefficient buildings that are expensive to run and no longer fit for purpose, the SPR is helping to deliver best value and support the Council’s move towards net zero.

By improving the energy performance of its buildings and investing in more sustainable alternatives, such as modular facilities and community-led transfers, the SPR is projected to reduce the council’s carbon emissions by almost 15%.

The Camelon project reflects that ambition while ensuring local people continue to benefit from accessible, affordable space for community use - something the Camelon Community Action Plan highlighted was in short supply, particularly for children and young people. The new modular unit directly responds to those needs, helping to maintain a local base for social, learning and leisure activities.

Camelon Management Committee entered a full repairing and insuring licence for part of the existing centre on 1 October 2025, allowing them to continue managing activities while the modular unit is procured and installed in 2026, following Executive approval.

Once the new facility becomes operational, the existing building will close and be declared surplus to operational requirements. The management committee will then progress with a CAT for the new space.

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council, said: “Given the condition and running costs of the existing centre, we are taking a responsible and realistic approach that provides best value while ensuring Camelon still has a place for people to come together to learn, socialise and support one another.

“The new facility will give the community a modern, manageable space that can be shaped around their needs for the future. We’ll continue to work closely with the management committee to support the transition and their plans for a Community Asset Transfer.”