Concerns as flawed 10-year Masterplan adopted

The Friends of Kinneil are disappointed by the approval today by Falkirk Council’s Executive Committee of a proposed new 10-year ‘Masterplan’ for Kinneil Estate despite the concerns about its flaws.

The document was adopted after a Labour motion for delay to allow it to be improved, which had some Conservative and Independent support, was defeated by 7 votes to 6. There was also a detailed plea by a deputation from the Friends for more work to be done on the plan, which then prompted further questions and evident concerns from a range of Councillors.

A spokesperson for the Friends said: “We are disappointed by the adoption of this underwhelming document. It is supposed to be a 10-year roadmap for development, but it lacks substance, firm commitments and adequate investment proposals relative to places of comparable value and their similar plans.

“There were clear concerns in the meeting about its weaknesses and that its contents and stated aims do not hang together coherently. We are grateful for the opportunity to explain the issues publicly, and to those who supported and shared these reservations.

“Despite the endorsement of the report, Councillors across all parties did seem to agree that it is now even more important to save existing visitor facilities and follow through on the stated aim to improve them. We are asking the Council to continue to work in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and others to save the museum visitor centre, and further develop Kinneil as a whole as an historic attraction.

“This will build on other recent enhancements, which we do welcome, such as the proposed large new play area announced this week. Retention and improvement of the visitor centre would also provide essential complementary visitor facilities such as toilets and refreshments, and lead a way to an overall visitor experience which matches Kinneil’s potential and historical significance”.

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Additional notes:

– Video from the proceedings is available here, beginning at around 13’12” into the recording.

– Before this week’s meeting, Falkirk Council’s announcement of the major new play area development at Kinneil, following separate recent consultation with local residents and the Friends of Kinneil, can be found here.