Falkirk Helix - Overview

Overview

The Forth and Clyde Canal was reopened in 2001, but the final part of the route to the original outlet at Grangemouth Docks had been obliterated by the construction of a motorway, a road, housing and factories. An alternative route was opened; it connected to the River Carron further upstream, but was not ideal, as the river was crossed by two road bridges and two pipe bridges below the entrance lock. This provided limited headroom when the tide was high, and insufficient water to enter the lock when it was low; an alternative route was therefore sought.

The opportunity to remedy the situation and to make the eastern end of the canal more accessible to the general public was provided by the Big Lottery Fund Living Landmarks programme. £140 million of funding was on offer, and in 2005 the Helix project was awarded one of the top four prizes, which kick-started the £43 million project. The plans include a new 950-yard (870 m) section of canal, which will join the river below the four fixed bridges at a new sea lock. A new bridge under the M9 motorway will be constructed by cut and cover methods, and a lift bridge will be inserted into the A905 road. Two high-pressure oil pipelines which cross the area to feed the refinery at Grangemouth are being re-routed.

The Helix project will transform under-used land between Falkirk and Grangemouth into a thriving urban greenspace called "The Hub". This will include several retail outlets, parking space for 100 cars, and a performance area, on which events can be held. Facilities for watersports will be provided by the construction of a large lagoon, which will be surrounded by several play areas and more parking. The area will be known as Central Park, and the whole development will cover some 750 acres (300 ha). Access around the park will be provided by 21 miles (34 km) of cycleways and footpaths.

The most visible feature of the development will be two unique equine structures known as the Kelpies. Each structure will measure around 100 feet (30 m) in height. The Kelpies are the brainchild of Andy Scott who also created the "Heavy Horse" sculpture at the side of the M8 motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Another inspiration was the fact that Carnera, the UK's largest Clydesdale Horse, once resided in Falkirk, hauling wagons of the soft drink Irn-Bru for Robert Barr.