In a report going to the executive on Thursday, 22 January 2026, councillors will consider whether to agree the project moves to the next stage with a feasibility study and the development of a full business case.

If agreed, detailed work would be carried out to assess feasibility, costs and delivery options, with the outcomes brought back to the committee in 2027 to inform future decisions.

At this time, there is no funding available to pay for a new hub and this challenge would be considered as part of any future report.

A new leisure and wellbeing facility would sit at the heart of the council’s emerging 10-year Sport and Leisure Strategy, forming the central ‘hub’ within the hub and spoke model approved in June 2024.

Initial work suggests a hub should feature a range of facilities including:

• competition-style swimming pool
• separate teaching and water-play pool
• large fitness suite and studio spaces
• multi-court sports hall and specialist sports areas
• family facilities and health suite
• astro pitches

These features reflect the outcomes of extensive community engagement undertaken by the council that have highlighted a demand for modern, inclusive and accessible facilities, with swimming and fitness identified as top priorities for local people.

Engagement with NHS Forth Valley, sportscotland, and a range of national governing bodies for sport and community trusts, reinforced the importance of swimming provision and delivering facilities that support health, wellbeing and community use.

As part of this engagement, sportscotland also highlighted that Falkirk’s geography makes it a strong candidate to host regional or national events across several sports.

The stadium site has been identified as the preferred option at this stage due to its size, good transport links, council ownership, and opportunities for partnership working. It is also estimated to be within a 20-minute drive of more than 80% of the Falkirk Council population.

The report also notes that greater long-term benefits would be achieved by focusing future capital investment on a single central hub rather than upgrading multiple ageing facilities, with The Mariner Centre and Grangemouth Sports Complex remaining open until any new central hub is delivered.

Michael McGuinness, head of growth, planning, sport & culture, said: “This work is about planning for the long term and using the evidence from our engagement to help shape the future of sport and leisure across the whole Falkirk Council area.

“We have identified a preferred site for any future central hub and if councillors agree we would then properly test whether it is feasible and affordable. It is important to note that there is no budget allocated to this long-term project and that would need to be considered in any future update.

“It is now for the Executive to decide whether officers should progress with the feasibility study and then the business case and continue developing the 10-year strategy.”