From: Paul Garner <paul.garner@falkirk.gov.uk>

Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2020 10:17 pm
To: info@falkirkdelivers.com; Jacquie Mcarthur; Fiona Collie; dennyanddistrictcc@gmail.com; Colin.Belbin@blueyonder.co.uk; Andrew Wallace
Subject: Re: Denny town centre

 

Hi Andrew

These projects you mention were more individual light displays not projected onto the buildings but onto the ground. That project fell through as the artist could not do as he promised. 

But here's some good news for you and the town.

Falkirk Council recently agreed extra funding which will soon see the North facing gable end used as a screen for projections.

These can be light displays to celebrate certain dates or indeed promoting local charities, organisations or events. I'm currently working with Strathcarron to promote their 40 year anniversary next year.

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN

Carefully monitoring government and working closely with Falkirk Delivers to risk assess options, a number of Festive initiatives will be launched week commencing. 

The new arrangements are branded ‘Spirit of Christmas’ because we are at a time when kindness, joy and generosity is more relevant than ever. While there will be no official ‘switch-on’ or crowd gathering events, Denny’s festive lighting schemes and Christmas tree will be in place as usual bringing much needed cheer to the community - lighting will be activated by 22 November.

 

The town centre will have fantastic holly balls throughout. They will remain in place till early Spring and then replaced by floral hanging baskets.

Spirit of Christmas video launching next week – special message from Santa is coming to you then!

Watch out for Sky TV advertising to start 1st December for 4 weeks promoting Falkirk and our 4 district towns as shopping destinations.

Love Local Free Delivery Service is a free delivery service for Denny’s non-food businesses. Responding to the impact of on-line shopping to our business community, a branded vehicle and dedicated staff member will act as a conduit between shops and their customers to provide same day/24 hour delivery around the area. 

Gift Card – the Falkirk and District Gift Card aims to support our local businesses to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing our High Streets. It provides local people the chance to shop local and support local. Many people are purchasing to give as Christmas presents because its redeemable across the area and unlike traditional gift cards, the Falkirk and District Gift Card can be spent a little at a time between different locations and so recipients can spread their spend across their favourite shops. Buy yours at on-line www.falkirkdelivers.com

Watch out for the Falkirk Football Mascot – coming to Denny town centre soon with super giveaways.

From: Stefanie Paterson <stefanie@falkirkdelivers.com>

Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 9:59:53 AM

Subject: RE: Denny Christmas 

 

Good Morning Andrew,

 

We are carefully monitoring Scottish Government advice on public events and will of course be acting responsibly to support the efforts of emergency services and the wider public to keep the cases of COVID19 to a minimum. We will therefore be making alternative arrangements this festive season that will keep local folks safe and support the local shops. We are assured that the Festive lights throughout the town and the wonderful Christmas tree in the town square will be in place as usual.

Should you have any other queries please contact Jaqueline McArthur at Falkirk Council.

Reports of school children in Denny town centre being frightened to walk to school because they are being harassed by drug users demanding they hand over their dinner money.
Parents said youngsters told them drug users barked at them in the street and elderly people stated they are terrified to sit on their favourite bench because they are pestered for cash.
Denny community police officers say: “If there is a reason for us to search these people you are talking about we will do so. If there is a reason to ask them to move on we will do so.
“Whenever we are free you can find us on mobile patrol, either on foot or in vehicles, in Denny town centre.”
As for the incidents of drug users pestering youngsters for their dinner money, PC Fox said people had to report these matters to police as soon as possible.
PC Fox said: “We are hearing this is happening, but we are not receiving any phone calls to deal with these matters as they are happening. We need those with information to come forward more regularly and at the time incidents happen – not three weeks after it has occurred.”
People can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Phase 2 and 3 of Denny town centre regeneration project has been put on the market by Syme Property Consultancy based at West George Street in Glasgow

It is hoped a food retailer will be attracted to Denny

Office space and residential is hoped to be attracted

Denny has a central location near Falkirk, Cumbernauld

Litter and the law in Denny - Frequently asked questions

Are biodegradable things like apple cores, banana skins or orange peel, or breadcrumbs that birds can eat, considered to be litter?

Yes, even though these will eventually degrade. Place these items in a bin or take them home.

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Can I be prosecuted if my child drops litter and I don't pick it up?

No, but we would ask that you speak to your child and explain to them why dropping litter is wrong. Litter is everyone’s responsibility.

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Is it a crime to drop litter?

Yes.

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What is the most common type of litter?

The most common type of litter is smoking related and includes packets, lighters and cigarettes butts. This is followed by sweet wrappers, drinks related litter and fast food litter.

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What is the penalty for dropping litter?

A person who is guilty of dropping litter can be responsible for a fine of up to £2,500. It is unlikely you will have heard of anyone getting a fine this high. However, you may have heard of a smaller £80 fixed penalty.

---

Is it illegal to drop a cigarette butt?

Yes. Cigarette ends should be stubbed out and placed into a bin or a personal ashtray and kept until you reach a bin.

---

Do I have to provide cigarette bins for people smoking outside my premises?

You are not legally obliged to provide cigarette bins. However, we would encourage their use because they will prevent litter and reinforce the message that your premises are no smoking.

---

Do I have to provide bins outside my premises?

Businesses have a legal responsibility to properly contain and store the rubbish they produce.

It is important that all businesses understand that we do not hold them responsible for the behaviour of their customers. However, we believe that businesses have a ‘social responsibility’ to help to prevent, control and reduce litter associated with the products that they sell.

This can be done through the display of promotional materials and packaging carrying anti-litter messages. For more ideas and information, please contact the Litter Strategy Team on 01324 504433 or email wasteservices@falkirk.gov.uk.

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.

Joseph Ingleby The Treasure Trail

All sculptures in the Treasure Trail have come about through a process of community consultation, historical and environmental research and a process of projects, drawings and models. This has been in consultation and collaboration with the local community including five local primary schools, Denny High School, and groups such as Denny Heritage Group, Communities along the Carron, Community Green Initiative, Denny’s Men’s Shed and Writers Group.  In addition the public were invited to see and discuss the ideas for all the public art projects for the new town centre as they took shape, at the new Denny Library in January and May 2017.  The whole Treasure Trail was then fabricated by and in close collaboration with Specialised Castings and fabricators Blueton, in Denny itself.

The Denny Battleship
This cast iron ship on an oak base was made at Specialised Castings, the last of the once mighty iron foundry industry in Denny.  It symbolises these factories on its deck, and in its ship form refers to the many ship engines that were cast here, particularly at Cruikshanks on Glasgow Road, who did this for the famous WW2-commissioned ship HMS Vanguard.  The ship is also inspired in its shape, by the battleship icon from the game Monopoly, whose boards were, at one time, printed alongside other board games in Denny’s paper mills such as Carrongrove Mill.

Acorn Lamp
The Acorn Lamp symbolises the former mining industry of the area, as well as the core theme of nature running like the River Carron through Denny.  There is a proliferation of oak trees, particularly westward along the River Carron, so an acorn seemed appropriate as a representation of strength, , longevity, growth and regeneration.  This is combined with the form of a miner’s lamp to create the Acorn Lamp.  It is also a reference to both Victorian lamp stands and, in its octagonal segments, reflective of the distinctive former octagonal-shaped bank, which stood for 40-50 years on this site. The sculpture was made at Blueton in Denny.

Discovery Oak
Continuing the theme of nature and in particular oak, one of the most famous uses of the wood was from a tree in Herbertshire Park, Dunipace, used for the stern post on Captain Scott’s HMS Discovery, now in Dundee.  Here the stainless steel hull of Discovery sets sail with a half oak leaf for sails; at once sails, an oak leaf and the waves of a frozen sea; it all sits on an oak ‘stern post’ of its own.  The complete sculpture was made at Blueton in Denny.

Brick and Broch
Like the Denny Battleship, ‘Brick and ‘Broch’ are cast in iron at Specialised Castings in Denny. As such, they represent the cast iron crucibles of the once-mighty iron foundry industry.  Yet they also have clues to other elements of Denny’s past.  One is shaped like nearby Tappoch Broch, and the other like a brick kiln, another industry that had its home in Denny.  Between them, as if hatched from a cast iron shell, is a stainless steel dice referring to the paper mills that printed board games.  On it are the names of some of Denny’s old companies, from Herbertshire Brick Works to Coupers Foundry and Machan Engineering.

Bridge
‘Bridge’ is symbolic of the twin relationship of Denny and Dunipace and their connection over the River Carron.  Informed by Denny Bridge and earlier bridges such as at Stripeside, it takes the form of a bridge over the River Carron in the satin-finish stainless steel, that is reflected in the stainless mirror-plate steel below.  As a whole it also resembles a cleat, a typical product of Denny’s foundries and in its contrasting halves, the dual relationship of Dunipace and Denny as well as the River Carron itself.   Like all other oak or stainless steel work, this sculpture was entirely made at Blueton in Denny.

Chestnut Seeds
These sculptures, located off-site in Stirling Street and Broad Street,are under construction at Blueton in Denny and will go in place soon.  Inspired by the natural environment of Denny and Dunipace, and in particular the 450 year old Spanish Chestnut tree in Herbertshire Park, Dunipace, each will contain a viewable tableau comprising drawings from the project done by pupils of Denny’s local primary schools.

From: Lockhart, David 

Sent: 25 October 2017 22:00
Subject: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Transformation 

Good evening Andrew,

As the Local Senior Officer for the Falkirk and West Lothian area, I’d like to reassure you and members of the Denny Community that there are no plans to close Denny Fire Station under the transformation of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

The Service is operating against a backdrop of both significantly changing risks and the greatest financial challenges seen in decades and must transform to continue to protect our communities from new and emerging risks. We also cannot ignore the financial imperative. We cannot sustain the current frontline delivery beyond this financial year. Staying as we are is not an option.

A webpage on the Service’s website http://www.firescotland.gov.uk/transformation.aspx has been dedicated to Service Transformation and provides more detail on the initial ‘conversation’ the Service is looking to have with communities across Scotland and no decisions have been made as yet. Further details with regards public consultation on our Service Transformaiton plans will be made available towards the end of this year.

Regards, David.

David Lockhart | Area Manager | Local Senior Officer for Falkirk and West Lothian | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. 

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  1 Sept 2017

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 Work is complete on the first stage of works in phase 1 of the new town centre:

Denny 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 and Greggs. Subject to conclusion of the lease agreement, it is expected that a new tenant trading as a Hairstylist will take possession of Unit 9 next door to Cupcake Corner at the end of August/early September. All 4 vacant units including the one occupied by Clark Contracts are being marketed by our agents to attract additional interest.
         
The second stage of works is well underway with significant progress being made including the completion of the whole of the Davies Row carpark.  An issue with the quality of some of the surfacing materials delivered has necessitated their replacement. Delivery of the replacement material is expected in September and a revised programme to completion will be available once the final delivery date is confirmed.

Phase 1 Public Art Proposals

2.2 All 5 artists have engaged with the community and are now working mainly off site on the fabrication of their schemes based on the final designs presented at a public presentation in Denny Library on the 15 May 2017.

1. The Treasure Trail (sculptural interventions) – Joseph Ingleby

Project involves 2 time capsules of similar shape in different materials and referencing the industry in the area.  Off-site at the main access points into the town – Dunipace and Falkirk Road/Denny High.  Fabrication currently underway with installation to coincide with completion of the town square works.  The mixed material pieces include the following:-

· Battleship – monopoly connection (Monopoly board was printed in Denny) oak plinth/cast iron
· Bridge – referencing the connection between Denny and Dunipace
· Lamp/lantern - (referencing the heritage lamp mentioned at the Heritage Group meetings)
· Discovery oak – long ship with oak plinth
· Bricken & broch – referencing the Iron Age stone structure found locally.
       
2. The Railings (sculptural and interactive) – David Annand

Design aims to explore the function and interaction – making a connection between the formal need for railings and playful adaptations in the design (currently fish – referencing the River Carron).  David’s designs are fabricated by his long term partner Callum McPherson.  Currently working with a structural engineer to ensure safety specification standards are met.  Thereafter fabrication and installation to coincide with town square works.

3. The Staircase (a visual feature) – Bespoke Atelier/James Winnett

Located on the stairs to the north of the site, the artist will work directly with the elevation of the stairs to host artistic elements that surprise and intrigue users and reflect the local heritage of the town.  As previously communicated, our artist has faced significant problems progressing works due to the recent wet weather.  As previously communicated, our artist has faced significant problems progressing works due to the recent wet weather and drying out the granite sufficiently to produce a quality finish sandblasting.  The artist is currently looking at different options and is in discussion with our architects and industry experts to resolve. An update will be provided as soon as discussions with our architects and industry experts are concluded.

4. The Lazy Corner – Blair Cunningham

Denny born artist is creating a timeline around the line of the River Carron using a mixture of locally sourced stone.  The project idea grew out of discussions with the community as an area that people could gather and chat, not a play facility but as an opportunity to house a playful element within the landscaping/stone work at the floor level of this feature which explores imaginative responses generated by local children and young people for features they would like to see in the town centre. The artist has confirmed fabrication and installation will coincide with the town square works.

5. The Picture House (way-finding and light projection) – James Buchanan

The Way-Finding project consists of 3 posts – hosting a projector, in reference to the heritage of cinema in the town, and way-finding directing to key locations in and around the town.  To follow up on the last update, there will now be two projections – one in the town square and the other projecting onto the gable wall, this is in response to Cllr Garners request for a mural at this site.  The necessary infrastructure is in place and the installation of the piece will coincide with the completion of the town square works.

3.  Phase 2

3.1 The marketing of Phase 2 of the town centre project will commence following the completion of Phase 1.  In the meantime works will be undertaken to tidy the Phase 2 site.

4.0 Denny WiFi Project

4.1 The introduction of Wi-Fi into the new town centre has been a key consideration for the Design Team since early consultation discussion and feedback raised this as an issue.  Connectivity has become an essential utility for many often influencing where people and families choose to spend their time and through the introduction of the Denny WiFi project we aim to build on the regeneration project and support the on-going sustainability of the town.

Our consultant is working with us to install the infrastructure to power the WiFi equipment in library and wider town centre locations.  The next stage of the project is to introduce this to the local businesses, elected members and other stakeholders so a meeting will be scheduled within the next few weeks to launch this exciting opportunity for the town.

5.0 Christmas 2017

5.1 Plans are in place to re-locate the Christmas tree from Denny Parish Church to the new town square location on conclusion of the works..

We are working closely with Falkirk Towns Ltd to create a great Christmas switch-on event and would be grateful to hear from any community groups who would like to get involved. Contact Jacquie McArthur on 01324 590973 to discuss.

Hi Andrew

It would be helpful if you could update the community on the issues we have faced with engraving of the Phase 1 staircase as an integral component of the Denny Public Art project.

 

Our artist has faced significant problems progressing works due to the recent wet weather.  Fabricators indicate that it will take 3 days to carry out the work but that this is entirely reliant on dry weather.  The artist tried to work between the showers and used equipment to cover and then dry out the stones.  However, even when it was dry for several hours the landings remained damp and this meant that the adhesive tape used for the stencils did not stick sufficiently.  A specialist adhesive was ordered which was subsequently used but again the wet weather and underlying dampness of the stones hindered progress on this work. 

 

With intermittent wet weather forecast again throughout this week there will not be a sufficient dry spell to allow completion of this work.  We have therefore re-opened the staircase today and will reschedule the work with a larger sandblasting team to work within a shorter, more intensive time frame. This approach will allow us to minimise the length of the staircase closure. The artist will develop a plan for this work once a forecast of dry weather is established, rather than schedule the closure too far ahead.  We will update as this progresses.

 

Jacqueline McArthur

Economic Development Officer

Falkirk Council

The Falkirk Stadium

Suite 2A, 4 Stadium Way

Falkirk

FK2 9EE

From: Kerr, Susan <Susan.Kerr@firescotland.gov.uk>
Sent: 25 April 2017 17:02
Subject: Statement for Denny fire

 

Hi Andrew,

Please see our statement for the Denny fire

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was called at 6.46pm to reports of a fire at a building in Town House Street, Denny.

Four fire appliances were immediately mobilised to the incident.

Crews used powerful water jets to extinguish the fire.

Firefighters left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.

ENDS

Susan Kerr

Media Officer

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

T: 0131 344 5030 M: 07917076674  E: susan.kerr@firescotland.gov.uk

www.firescotland.gov.uk

Grants awarded by Foundation Scotland from Denny and District Windfarm Fund

Denny Gala Day

Date Awarded: 7th April 2017

Grant Amount: £5,663

Programme: Denny and District Community Benefit Fund

Grant Summary:

To contribute to the cost of the annual Gala Day, to be held 27 May 2017, including stage hire, entertainment, and toilet hire.

Strathcarron Hospice

Date Awarded: 16th December 2016

Grant Amount: £2,500

Programme: Denny and District Community Benefit Fund

Grant Summary:
To contribute to the cost of expanding the hospice's parking lot, creating an additional 20 spaces and reducing the reliance on on-street parking.

Dunipace Juniors Football Club

Date Awarded: 16th December 2016

Grant Amount: £3,966

Programme: Denny and District Community Benefit Fund

Grant Summary:
To purchase equipment which will accommodate the growing club, including goals/nets and pitch line marker.

Denny 867 Squadron Air Training Corps

Date Awarded: 16th December 2016

Grant Amount: £2,480

Programme: Denny and District Community Benefit Fund

Grant Summary:
To purchase camping equipment and enable four volunteers to attend the Lowland Leadership course so they may lead future camping expeditions when undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh award.

Full list of grants awarded and more about the fund visit

http://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/programmes/denny-and-district/

From: GETINTOUCH@GREGGS.CO.UK <GETINTOUCH@GREGGS.CO.UK>
Sent: 08 March 2017 11:08
Subject: <8000058084> Greggs

Dear Andrew
Service Request Number : 8000058084
Thanks for getting in touch. We love to hear from all of our customers.
We've spoken to our Property Team and they've confirmed we're opening a shop in Denny. However, we don't have an exact date for this.
We're hoping to have a Greggs shop open by late Spring - keep your eyes peeled!
We hope this is useful to you Andrew and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Kind Regards
Lauren Paton
Customer Care Team
Tele: 08081 473447

DENNY PUBLIC ART PROJECT

Informed by the period of community engagement asking “what would you like to see in your town centre?”, 5 public art projects have been developed. Falkirk Council and Falkirk Community Trust with support from the local community has recruited artists for each of the proposed permanent artworks. The 5 public art projects are:

The Picture House (way-finding and light projection)
The Treasure Trail (small sculptural interventions across the site)
The Railings (sculptural and interactive)
The Staircase (a visual feature)
The Lazy Corner (to provide a stronger identity to this small circle of seating in the town square).

The appointed artists are now speaking with local people to further develop these initial ideas. If you would like to get involved why not pop in to Denny Library on Thursday 12 January from 3pm-8pm to the Meet the Artist event. If you can’t make this meeting and/or want further information please contact Jacquie McArthur on 01324 590973 or by email on jacquie.mcarthur@falkirk.gov.uk

Major Milestone in Regeneration of Denny Town Centre

 

Falkirk Council and Falkirk Community Trust are delighted to announce the opening of the new Denny Library on Monday 5th December at 10am. The Library is the centrepiece of Denny town centre’s £7.8m development which includes 10 shop units, a bigger, improved car park and a new community-designed town square.

The whole building bursts with colour.  The Library is a bright, welcoming and flexible space with a child-size library for our youngest library members, a cosy reading and gaming zone for teenagers, comfy chairs for curling up with a good book and plenty of desk space (with and without PC’s) for those more focussed pieces of work… and 3000 brand new books.

The Library is fully accessible and, like our other libraries, has free public access computers and free WiFi.  Our spacious community room has views out to what will soon be the new town square.

Ian Scott, Chairman of Falkirk Community Trust, said “At a time when libraries are at risk across the UK, it is such wonderful news that we have secured delivery of this new purpose built hub for the community.  I would urge everyone to get along and explore this super new facility.” 

Over the coming weeks, the first tenants will start to occupy their new spaces with Lloyds Pharmacy and Café Anton opening for trade in December and the remaining retailers moving in soon after.  Interest in the last remaining units has been encouraging and we hope to secure tenants over the coming months.

Councillor Dennis Goldie, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said:  “We are happy to have reached this important stage in the project and would like to thank the community for their continued patience as we move to the next stage in the development. The super new two storey building is the result of extensive community consultation, and we hope that local people like the mixture of bright colours in the design and textures in the design, intended to reflect a positive spirit and a new start for the town centre.”

Work in now underway to see the demolition of the last remaining remnant of the 1960’s Church Walk block – the octagonal building.  Thereafter, the remainder of phase 1 will conclude in the summer next year seeing the new community designed town square, completion of the car park and the introduction of five public art pieces.

Come along and find out more at the Meet the Artist event in Denny Library on Thursday 12 January 3-8pm, all welcome.

Fankerton Fish Counter
Jo Girvan - River Forth Fisheries Trust

We are delighted to announce that our new fish counter at the fish pass at Fankerton is now up and running. The technical difficulties we have had since the counter was installed earlier this year have been solved and we are starting to receive data on any movements through the fish pass. This information will shortly become available to view through our website and we will be providing regular updates throughout the upstream spawning migration this Autumn.

The fish pass at Fankerton has been in place for one season, which means that adult salmon could potentially have spawned upstream of the weir last winter. We carried out electrofishing at three sites upstream of the weir in August this year to see if we could find any evidence of salmon spawning, but we did not find any salmon fry. It may take some time for enough adult salmon to ascend the fish pass and produce sufficient young so that we can pick them up through electrofishing survey.

Because the area has been inaccessible for many years, there has been no salmon spawning here and it may take time for adult salmon to ascend the pass in any numbers and build a genetic homing instinct to repopulate this part of the river. The counter will help us to monitor this.

Fish counters are one of the primary mechanisms for fisheries management, providing accurate figures on the number of adults returning to a river. This type of information can help with many aspects of management such as assessing the passability of existing fish passes and accurate conservation limit setting. We hope this will be the first of many fish counters that we will be able to install on the rivers of the Forth District. Two more counters are already in the pipeline through the RiverLife: Almond & Avon Project, with plans for others to follow.

Thanks to Andy from ACE Ltd UK and Gareth from Vaki for helping resolve the technical issues.

FALKIRK COUNCIL
BRIEFING NOTE

From:         Douglas Duff, Head of Economic Development & Environmental Services

Subject:     Denny Town Centre Regeneration – update

Date         8 September 2016

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     Work is nearing completion on the first phase of the new town centre.  Clark Contracts Ltd is the Phase 1 main contractor and has confirmed that works are proceeding to programme.  The first stage of the Phase 1 works, including the development of the commercial building, is identified for completion on the 17 October 2016.  The second stage of works, include the demolition of the octagonal building, completion of the car park and town square will be completed during 2017.  


    Denny Phase 1

Phase 1 Marketing
2.2   The Council has appointed marketing agents to promote and invite interest in the vacant units within the Phase 1 development.  The marketing brief was issued on the 28 June inviting interest from prospective tenants with responses returned on the 26 August 2016. The responses will be considered at the Council’s Executive meeting on the 27 September.  Three units are already committed, with agreements in place with Lloyds Pharmacy, Boots and Café Anton.

Phase 1 Public Art Proposals
2.3   The Council, with support from a local community panel and Falkirk Community Trust, is currently agreeing contracts with the recruited artists for 3 of the 5 public art projects. 

1.  Interventions (Sculptural Treasure Trail) - Joseph Ingleby (details at: http://www.josephingleby.com/)

2.   Railings (Sculptural/Interactive) – David Annand (details at: http://www.davidannand.com/ )

3.   The Lazy Corner) – Blair Cunningham (details at: http://www.axisweb.org/p/blaircunningham/#info )

The additional Public Art projects are:

4. Way finding (The picture House) - At the initial stage of the recruitment process, only one application was received for the Way Finding (The Picture House) commission.  However during the assessment process the applicant withdrew their interest.  This commission will therefore be re-advertised and further information provided as this is progressed. 

5.  Staircase (A Visual Feature)
There were two applicants for the Staircase commission and one of the two withdrew their interest.  Whilst, the local community panel was very satisfied with the other bid that was proposed, however it was over the anticipated budget.  The available budget for this commission is being reviewed with a view to re-advertising the opportunity.

Public Art Project Timetable
·    August/Sept 2016: appointments/contract commences
·    Oct/Nov 2016: research, design and outline design proposals
·    Dec - Jan 2017: community engagement
·    Feb 2017: finalise design
·    Spring/Summer 2017: Installation

Public Wi-fi
2.4    The Council, in collaboration with BT, hopes to deliver a public wi-fi scheme as part of the phase 1 plans.  It is expected that the free wi-fi coverage will include the town square and surrounding area.

3.0    Phase 2 Development
3.1    Following B & M’s decision not to progress their previous interest in the Denny Phase 2 site, the Council’s Executive, on the 7 June 2016, agreed to remarket the site on completion of the Phase 1 development.

4.0    Denny Regeneration Office – 35 Church Walk, Denny
4.1    To progress the next phase of the town centre works, the octagonal building is scheduled for demolition.  Clark Contracts have now applied for the disconnection of utilities to this building and therefore, the Regeneration Office will close at 1pm on Tuesday 20 September.  Council officers will continue to liaise fully with members of the community on the project and enquiries can be made to the Growth and Investment Unit on 01324 590973.

5.0    Denny Newsletter Update
5.1    A newsletter will be issued in Autumn 2016 providing an update on the Denny town centre regeneration activity.