The radical new strategy would see the major venue act as a ‘leisure hub’ for Falkirk Council. A significant new facility for Grangemouth of between £10-20m would join a range of modern sports facilities in Bo’ness, Braes, Denny, and Stenhousemuir acting as ‘spokes’ to improve provision for communities.

A cross-party group of councillors have been working on proposals for more than six months as part of a Sport and Leisure Policy Development Panel (PDP), supported by officers.

Their proposals would see every effort made to keep both the Mariner Centre and Grangemouth Sports Complex open until the new facilities were up and running.

The proposals would modernise sport and leisure provision, addressing the current challenges posed by ageing and deteriorating existing facilities, as well as creating sustainable and accessible facilities that meet the diverse needs of local communities.

In the report being considered on 11 June, the financial strain of maintaining the council’s current outdated sports and leisure facilities is made clear, with current operations running at a deficit that has grown from £2.57m in 2017/18 to £4.7m per annum in 2022/23. This deficit is likely to grow as facilities further deteriorate at a time when the council’s budget is already under immense strain.

It is estimated the high-quality new facility could operate at zero cost or even turn a profit, compared to the current Mariner Centre and Grangemouth Sports Complex which cost c£2m annually. This saving could help pay for the borrowing to build the new facility.

Councillors will also be asked to consider proposals that could enhance the local sports and leisure provision with a £10.5m investment in new facilities at Bo’ness Academy, Braes High School, and in Denny.

In the report, the most advanced plans are for Bo’ness Academy, where a major new Community Wing is proposed to improve the local sports offerings.

The new facility would feature a spacious 250m² gym with over 40 stations, double the size of the former Bo’ness Recreation Centre gym. The gym proposals feature floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light, and would be complemented by accessible changing rooms, a general studio/activity space, and a dedicated reception area.

If approved, the new wing could also provide access outside of school hours to the school’s existing sports facilities, including a 20m swimming pool, games hall, upper-floor gymnasium, and dance studio. The plans detail the school changing rooms to be upgraded at the same time, and a new rugby pitch would also be added to support Bo’ness Rugby Club’s School of Rugby and the Academy’s physical education programme.

In Denny, two proposals are under consideration. One involves creating a community wing at Denny High School with a gym, studio space, and modern changing facilities, offering residents a local alternative to the Mariner Centre.

The other proposal is for a standalone fitness facility in Denny town centre, adjacent to the current library. This centrally located facility would increase footfall and complete the £7.9m Denny town centre regeneration project. The school changing rooms would be upgraded whichever option is progressed.

Braes High School presents unique challenges due to its topography, but the council has developed four options for new community sports facilities. Each option includes a 250 m² fitness suite, changing facilities, and direct access to existing school sports amenities.

These facilities would provide local access to sports and leisure services, reducing the need to travel to Grangemouth Sports Complex. School changing rooms would be upgraded as per the other proposals.

Further engagement will take place before any final decision is made on the projects in Denny and the Braes.

Malcolm Bennie, Falkirk Council’s director of place services, said: “These exciting proposals would provide Bo’ness with a better gym and studio offer than anything the town has previously had, open up access to the Academy’s great facilities, and create a new rugby pitch for the Rugby Club and school.

“Meanwhile the proposals in Denny and the Braes would bring quality sport and leisure facilities to communities that have previously had to travel miles to access such services.

“We know communities in Bo’ness, Denny and Braes are desperate for these new facilities which is why we have accelerated proposals as fast as possible.

“The new community facilities align with a new proposed strategy for sport and leisure in Falkirk Council over the next 15-20 years, and would help to promote healthier lifestyles and support economic and social wellbeing.

“It is now for councillors to decide whether the plans should move forward.”