Council plan urges hand-over to Grangemouth Community Sports Trust

Thursday 20th March 2025

National Championship sprint action at Grangemouth (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Falkirk Council are set to consider a proposal for a newly formed community trust to take over management of the Grangemouth Stadium from 1 June 2025.

The proposal would see the Grangemouth Community Sports Trust (GCST) take on a one-year Full Repair and Insuring Licence, at a nominal rent of £1 per year, with the option to extend for a further year.

This would allow GCST to manage the stadium while they further develop their business plan and work towards a long-term Community Asset Transfer, at the same time as saving the Council an estimated £550,000 a year.

To support GCST in the initial stages, the Council is proposing financial assistance of up to £120,000 for running costs for any financial challenges encountered during the first two years.

Falkirk Council also plan to carry out capital works worth up to £350,000 to ensure the facility is in a good condition and gives the Trust the best possible chance of success.

Some of these works will take place before GCST takes over the lease, with other work to be completed during their first year of management.

The level of support being offered reflects the size of the facility and Grangemouth Stadium’s role as a key venue for athletics in Scotland.

The proposal also highlights that this investment is offset by the significant savings that will be achieved by transferring the venue to the community as part of the Strategic Property Review.

Photo: Falkirk by Drone

Supported by scottishathletics and sportscotland, GCST aims to maintain Grangemouth Stadium as a key national and local athletics venue while developing its potential for additional sports and community activities.

The Trust’s long-term ambition is to create a sustainable, community-led model that allows the stadium to continue serving both athletes and the wider public.

Colin Hutchison, chief executive of scottishathletics said: ‘We’ve worked tirelessly with the local clubs and partners to present a solution to Falkirk Council that, if councillors approve, will enable Grangemouth Stadium to stay open.

‘We would 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. There is great potential to widen access to the facility and ensure that it becomes an asset that the local community can be proud of.’

Photo by Bobby Gavin

Malcolm Bennie, Director of Place Services with Falkirk Council, said: ‘If approved, this proposal would secure the immediate future of Grangemouth Stadium as a centre for national, regional and local athletics.

‘It would also enable the Council to make a significant annual saving of around £550,000 which helps protect other frontline services that residents rely upon.

‘The proposed initial financial support, undertaking essential building works, and structured transition plan, supports GCST to establish a sustainable, community-led model that could secure the stadium’s long-term future.

‘The decision now rests with councillors on whether the community benefit lease is the best way to keep Grangemouth Stadium open while asset transfer proposals progress and to secure financial viability for the future.’

Under the current plans, the stadium’s buildings will close from 1 April 2025 to facilitate the transition

But local athletics groups – such as Falkirk Victoria Harriers and Forth Valley Flyers – will still be able to access the track, infield and car park.

The ‘Grangemouth Stadium – Community Benefit License’ report will be considered at a meeting of the Falkirk Council Executive on Thursday 3 April 2025.