HELIX Project wins £25m Lottery Funding

The project recently received a huge boost when it was given £25m of National Lottery money under the Big Lottery Fund Living Landmarks programme. The award is the largest that the Big Lottery Fund has ever made to an individual project.

Keppie’s Planning, Urban Design and Landscape Division developed the masterplan strategy for the Kelpie Canal Hub, which is a critical element of the HELIX masterplan. The Kelpie Canal Hub will include new marina facilities, bars and restaurants, and the Kelpie Boatlift.

The creation of a civic landmark is one of the key objectives of the HELIX Project, and the hope is that the two 100ft high equine statues which form the Kelpie Boatlift will be among the world's most distinctive landmarks.

The scheme also includes a new section of canal linking the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Forth Estuary, improving navigation along the River Carron.

The implementation of the Kelpie Canal Hub Masterplan, as part of the wider HELIX Project, will contribute to the continued regeneration of Falkirk and Grangemouth in several ways:

• Creating a new Eastern Gateway to Scotland and providing a new civic landmark and destination

• Improving navigation of the River Carron and access to the Forth and Clyde Canal

• Enhancing the area for leisure, recreation and amenity

• Improving and encouraging public access.

• Greater usage of water and high quality design.

• Creating a new tourist destination which complements the Falkirk Wheel.