At a meeting of the council’s executive, members gave their approval to a comprehensive framework that will serve as a blueprint that will guide future development in the area.

The primary objective of the plan is to provide an overarching direction of travel that will help shape future developments, attract investment, and ensure that the town centre effectively caters to the needs and aspirations of the local community.

Developed in collaboration with ThreeSixty Architecture, the framework takes into account the challenges facing town centres, as the retail landscape in the UK continues to adjust to changing shopping habits.

It focuses on the opportunities that will arise from building the new town hall on land currently occupied by Callendar Square Shopping Centre – a development that will help kickstart wider regeneration within the town centre.

Other priority areas for development include the former bus station, the retail unit formerly occupied by Marks & Spencer, and the mostly unoccupied 1970s block at the west end of the High Street.

The blueprint also highlights the important role culture and heritage will play in the town centre’s transformation and makes clear there should be a shift from predominantly retail towards more residential alongside the creation of inviting, accessible public spaces.

Also highlighted in the masterplan is the potential transformation of Falkirk Grahamston station into the Falkirk Central Transport Hub, a key project in the Falkirk/Grangemouth Growth Deal, and the opportunities that exist to strengthen links between the town centre and major tourist attractions.

Over a six-month period, local people had the opportunity to input their thoughts and ideas to the vision through a series of public consultation workshops, meetings and events that allowed them to shape and influence the project right from the start.

Cllr Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council, said: “The masterplan plan provides a clear direction of travel for the town centre not only for the council but also for partner organisations and the private sector. It underscores our commitment to creating a vibrant and thriving town centre, one that everyone can take pride in. It’s a collaborative effort that reflects the aspirations and concerns of residents, businesses, local groups and various stakeholders, including Police Scotland and NHS Forth Valley, and it will help shape a prosperous future for Falkirk town centre.”