Monday 16 April 2018

FALKIRK COUNCIL
BRIEFING NOTE

To: Leader of the Council
Portfolio Holder (Economic Development)
Local Elected Members (Denny & Banknock area)
Denny & Dunipace Community Council
Chief Executive
Director of Development Services

From: Douglas Duff, Head of Planning & Economic Development

Subject: Denny Town Centre Regeneration – update

Date: 16 April 2018

1.0 Introduction
1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the status of the Denny Town Centre Regeneration Project.

2.0 Phase 1

2.1 Phase 1 - Retail Units and Library

The first stage of the Phase 1 works has progressed well with the tenants in place and trading including Lloyds Pharmacy, Café Anton, Boots, the Library, Cupcake Corner, Greggs and Enchanted (Hairstylist). Unit 5(next to Café Anton) is now opened for business and trading well as a Turkish Barber’s. The 3 other vacant units are currently being marketed by our agents to attract additional interest.  The carpark and town square is also completed with some minor snagging works outstanding in relation to public realm and arts intervention works.
         
2.2 Phase 1 - Public Art Proposals

2.2.1. The Treasure Trail - Joseph Ingleby

A series of 5 small/medium scale mixed material sculptures in the town square site and an additional two gateway pieces on the main roads into the centre:

Town Square;

1. The Denny Battleship - cast iron ship on an oak base – completed.

2.    Discovery Oak - long ship with oak plinth  - completed

3.    Bridge - satin-finish stainless steel structure - completed  

4.    Acorn Lamp – wood finished sculpture – to be raised on an oak plinth by end April.

5. Brick and Broch –   Stainless steel dice between two cast iron sculptures - sculpture to be raised up on an oak plinth by end April

Outwith centre;

6.    Gateway seed time capsule located on Broad Street to be installed by May 2018.

7.    Gateway seed time capsule located on Stirling Street to be installed by May 2018

2.2.2 The Railings – David Annand

Steel railings incorporating an interwoven fish design completed around the Lazy Corner and expected to be completed around the Community Room Terrace area early week commencing 16 April.

2.2.3 The Staircase – Bespoke Atelier/James Winnett

Images and text to be carved into the stonework require a dry environment for sandblasting. The project will be carried out in the Spring.

2.2.4. The Lazy Corner – Blair Cunningham

A Whinstone paved area with circular images sandblasted into the Whinstone paving along a river line representing the Carron river. – The project is completed.

2.2.5. The Wayfinding – James Buchanan

Three Posts with cloud style sculptures:

1. ‘icloud’ – next to library – to be completed by May 2018.

2.  ‘Blue Pool’ – Top of north stairs – to be completed by May 2018.

3. ‘Footsteps projection’ – Bottom of north stairs – to be completed by May 2018.

3.  Phase 2 & 3

3.1 On the 13 March the Council’s Executive approved the marketing of both Phases 2 and 3 following the appointment of commercial agents.

4.0 Denny WiFi Project

One to one visits have taken place to recruit businesses to feature on a Denny town centre landing page.  Initial discussions have proved worthwhile with all businesses engaged showing an interest in participation.  It is anticipated that others will follow as the benefits unfold to the wider community and further engagement work is carried out.

Creation of this landing page requires additional design work to create graphics in relation to social media and related graphics for these businesses.

Launch date to coincide with Denny Celebratory Event on 12 May 2018.

5.0 Denny Town Centre Event

5.1 An event marking completion of Phase 1 is scheduled to take place on Saturday 12 May between 1-4pm Further information to be provided as plans evolve.