A new £17m urban quarter comprising business, learning and leisure facilities is being planned in Falkirk.

Falkirk Council has revealed plans to create a new, environmentally friendly urban quarter at the eastern entrance to the town under its multi-million-pound tax incremental finance (TIF) initiative.

Its proposed package of infrastructure works aims to attract a mix of facilities over 376 acres to regenerate the gateway entrance into Falkirk and create better connections between the town centre, Grangemouth and the rest of Scotland’s central belt.

The vision for a new urban quarter was outlined in the latest TIF report presented to the Falkirk Council executive this week.

It takes in sites that encompass the Gateway, Falkirk Community Stadium, land earmarked for the new £70m Forth Valley College campus and the home of the iconic Kelpies, Helix Park.

Project leaders also want to create the UK’s first circular elevated pedestrian and cycle crossing.

Another feature is the development of waterways along landscaped pedestrian pathways that will add character to the area whilst providing drainage.

Falkirk Council leader Craig Martin said: "These exciting plans for a new sustainable urban quarter signal another step in the transformation of Falkirk’s economic fortunes.

"The Gateway is a prime site to attract jobs, investment and development for our area. With the huge and growing appeal of the Kelpies, the community stadium facility and the forthcoming college campus there’s huge investment potential for developers across tourism, business and leisure.

"Through the Falkirk TIF initiative, we have the lever to prepare the site for development and create the connections needed to support expected traffic flow and the footfall.

"The latest TIF report shows that we are making good progress with the initiative and will be launching further phases to improve access and support new development in Grangemouth."

Awarded to Falkirk Council in 2013, the Falkirk TIF is expected to generate £413m in private investment over 25 years, creating almost 6000 jobs in the area.

The first phase of the urban quarter building work is planned to start in 2017.

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