Why is the gymnastics programme moving from the Carron Centre? 

The Carron Gymnastics Centre was part of the Council’s Strategic Property Review. The building requires over £550,000 in backlog maintenance and is no longer fit for purpose without major investment. Relocating the programme to our existing, core venues like the Mariner Centre and Larbert High School allows us to invest in high-quality, core, sustainable facilities and deliver the approved savings, ensuring the long-term future of the programme.

Will the cost of gymnastics classes increase due to this move? 

This relocation protects the gymnastics programme from the significant fee increases that would have been required to cover the maintenance costs at the Carron Centre. The move ensures the programme remains financially stable and affordable for families.

How will I know if my child's class time will change? We will be in direct contact with all parents and guardians with full details of the new timetable. The vast majority of participants will see no change to their class day or time. For the small group where a slight adjustment is needed, we will provide clear information and options.

What improvements are being made at the new venues? At the Mariner Centre, we are reconfiguring the two squash courts to create a purpose-built gymnastics hall, including new decoration and dedicated access to toilets.  At Larbert High School, we are making alterations to one of the existing gyms. Both venues will benefit from over £110,000 of investment in new, modern gymnastics equipment. Including new sprung flooring, beams, vaults and mats.  Pupils from Larbert High School will directly benefit from this investment, with the enhanced space being used by the school during the day.

When will the improvement works commence and what will be the level of disruption?  We are currently engaging with contractors and suppliers to confirm lead times.   As soon as we have this information we will communicate the key dates, and also keep our customers informed of any potential disruptions during the improvement works. 

What is happening to the Stenhousemuir Gymnastics Club, which also uses the Carron Centre? Falkirk Council is fully supportive of Stenhousemuir Gymnastics Club’s ambition to take over the management of the Carron Centre via a Community Asset Transfer. To support their continued operation and future plans, we will be leaving the essential fixed gymnastics apparatus in place for their use. The cost associated with this is included within the £110,000 investment at the Mariner Centre and Larbert High School.

I am a squash player at the Mariner Centre. Why were the squash courts not chosen for investment? The decision was based on maximising the benefit for our community. Gymnastics has a much larger number of participants (over 16 times more than squash at the venue) and there is a clear opportunity to grow the programme further. Excellent alternative squash facilities are available nearby at our Polmont and Denny venues. Along with various locations across the region.