HELIX takes shape for Falkirk after £25 million Big Lottery Fund award

 

A 300 hectare site between Falkirk and Grangemouth is set to become Scotland's most exciting and varied environmental community following the announcement that The HELIX has been awarded £25 million from the Big Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks programme, the only Scottish proposal to receive funding.

 

The HELIX will establish a massive environmentally based community resource and will offer a better quality of life to visitors and its surrounding communities.

 

When completed The HELIX will see over 750,000 trees planted; the creation of five biodiversity nature parks; 34 kilometres of paths and cycle tracks; a 1.85 kilometre canal link created linking Grangemouth on the River Forth into Scotland's canal network and; two 30 metre 'Kelpie' horse heads based on the mythical Scots creatures of the same name that will function as a boat lift at the entrance to the Forth and Clyde canal making it the largest equine sculpture in the world.

 

 

Cllr Linda Gow, Leader of Falkirk Council said: 'The HELIX will be a creation of our communities - their thoughts and ideas as well as their aspirations will all be included in the project as it takes shape in the coming years.

 

'The bid couldn't have succeeded without their vision for the Falkirk area and we wish to thank the many of individuals, groups and organisations who have supported us over the past few years and in helping making the HELIX one of the most exciting environmental developments in the UK.

 

'The project will transform the site and help us to achieve our long term aims to improve the area for residents and visitors alike under our My Future's In Falkirk economic development initiative.

 

'We're the only project in Scotland to receive a Big Lottery Fund Living Landmarks award and it demonstrates how the judges recognised the value we placed in involving our communities from the outset.

 

'The award of £25 million is recognition that The HELIX is an inspirational and sustainable project. For many years to come, as the project develops, the benefits will be felt by local people, businesses and the environment alike.'

 

Simon Rennie, Chief Executive of Central Scotland Forest Trust said: 'The HELIX project is an excellent example of partnership working at its very best, from partners to the community and businesses.

 

'CSFT congratulates all of those involved in delivering a successful bid to the heart of Scotland.'

 

Steve Dunlop, Director Scotland at British Waterways said: 'This is great news not just for the many local communities in and around Falkirk and Grangemouth but for Scotland as a whole.  The HELIX has captured the imagination of the public both locally and nationally and I have no doubt that this groundbreaking environmental project will become a great source of pride for everyone.

 

'The HELIX includes a number of innovative elements, all of which combine to create a truly landmark project. The breathtaking Kelpie boatlift is quite simply an engineering marvel which is set to become a major tourism asset for Scotland, attracting visitors from across the globe.'

 

'Independent research has shown clearly that the rebirth and investment in Scotland's lowland canals has resulted in a range of social and economic benefits to canalside communities across the country, and I firmly believe that The HELIX project will have a similar impact across central Scotland and beyond.'

 

'The backing of local communities in Falkirk and Grangemouth was critical to the success of the bid and we would like to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to support the project. The team is now looking forward to working closely with the community and our other partners as the project takes shape and The HELIX comes to life.'

 

A partnership between Falkirk Council, British Waterways and Central Scotland Forest Trust, The HELIX is a key project in the My Future's In Falkirk economic regeneration initiative for the Falkirk Council area.

 

Its name comes from the distinctive shape of the project as it spirals down from Langlees to Laurieston and Polmont.

 

Work is expected to start in 2008 and will progress over three distinct phases and will span a ten year period and beyond. To deliver The HELIX, a trust will be established and will have representatives from the partnership as well as community representatives.

 

The overall project costs will be in the region of £49 million.

 

- Falkirk Council (14/11/2007)