Grangemouth Stadium given lifeline under new lease
Councillors agreed a one-year full repair and insuring licence from 1 June, with the option to extend to a second year if necessary.Falkirk Council will spend up to £500,000 to support the move to GCST, while £350,000 has been agreed for works to improve the condition of the building.Up to £120,000 will also be given to help the new group with running costs for the year ahead.
'Long-term future'
The complex is currently closed and work has started to upgrade the changing rooms.Groups who use the facilities will continue to have access to the track and field until the new body takes over in June.The venue is part of Falkirk Council's strategic property review (SPR) which is seeing more than 100 buildings either closing or moving out of council ownership.Several community halls and Polmont Snowsports Centre have already moved into community ownership or management as part of the SPR, but the size of the stadium has made the transfer more complex.Prior to the lease agreement, Colin Hutchison, chief executive of Scottish Athletics, said the body had "worked tirelessly" with local clubs and partners to present a solution to Falkirk Council that would enable the stadium to stay open.He said: "We welcome the proposed financial assistance from Falkirk Council to support GCST and look forward to working with the trust and other partners to secure the stadium's long-term future."As the only athletics facility in Falkirk, the stadium plays a crucial role in supporting the local athletics clubs and providing opportunities for local residents to participate in athletics and running.Reporting by local democracy journalist Kirsty Paterson.
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