Our concerns around Falkirk Council plans and future of Grangemouth

Wednesday 21st December 2022

Action from the 4J Age Group Champs held at Grangemouth in August (photo by Bobby Gavin)

scottishathletics are deeply concerned around the future of Grangemouth Stadium after Falkirk Council warned about the possible closure of facilities and buildings.

The venue is hugely significant for the track and field community in Scotland and has played a key role in a number of ways over recent years.

Chief executive Colin Hutchison and our chair, David Ovens, have expressed those concerns and we await further discussions with Falkirk Council.

There is a public survey being conducted – please feel free to complete to show your support for the track and field facility at Grangemouth.

The survey remains open until January 20 and we may well return to this avenue following the Festive break, if we feel further mobilisation of support is likely to be helpful.

Falkirk Council survey 

David Ovens and Colin Hutchison – deep concerns around Grangemouth stadium plans (photos by Bobby Gavin)

Here are the current thoughts of Colin and David . . .

‘We’ve become aware of plans being made public by Falkirk Council – with Grangemouth Stadium among a large number of buildings identified for possible closure due to financial gaps.

‘This is a huge concern for athletics in Scotland as a sport and us as the governing body.

‘We have reached out to Falkirk Council and other stakeholders and expect to be involved in any and all imminent discussions around the future of Grangemouth Stadium.

‘In many ways, Grangemouth is the main hub/home for track and field and in recent years as such has played host to National Championships, National Age Group Champs, Scottish Schools, Scottish Student Sport and Scottish Disability Sport.

‘Our top trio of elite medal winners over 2022 – Eilish McColgan, Laura Muir and Jake Wightman – have all competed there on countless occasions on the athlete pathway from grassroots to elite success.

‘It is also a key club venue for Falkirk Victoria Harriers, one of our larger clubs, and Forth Valley Flyers, who do great work with athletes of all abilities and disabilities.

‘And the indoor area – arguably in the top three in Scotland in terms of the facility – is used by training groups as well as clubs. Grangemouth is also used for education courses for coaches and for Officials.’

Photo by Bobby Gavin

Falkirk Council, in their statement on a ‘Strategic Property Review, said: ‘Falkirk Council faces a c£67m budget gap over the next four years and must take urgent steps to avoid running out of money.

‘Currently we own too many buildings that are ageing, in poor condition and require investment of around £200m to avoid unexpected closures, money we simply do not have.

‘That is why Councillors have agreed in principle to make 133 Council-owned buildings available for transfer to communities.

‘Where transfers are not possible, the intention would be that the buildings close over the next three to four years on a phased approach, with services and activities moved to other locations within the community.’

Survey link

Photo by Bobby Gavin

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Tags: Colin Hutchison, David Ovens, Grangemouth

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