Helix takes shape for Falkirk

The HELIX will establish a massive environmentally based community resource and will offer a better quality of life to visitors and its surrounding communities.

Grangemouth linked to canal network

When completed The HELIX will see over 750,000 trees planted; the creation of five biodiversity nature parks; 34 kilometres of paths and cycle tracks; a 1.85 kilometre canal link created linking Grangemouth on the River Forth into Scotland’s canal network and; two 30 metre ‘Kelpie’ horse heads based on the mythical Scots creatures of the same name that will function as a boat lift at the entrance to the Forth and Clyde canal making it the largest equine sculpture in the world.

Steve Dunlop, Director Scotland at British Waterways said: “This is great news not just for the many local communities in and around Falkirk and Grangemouth but for Scotland as a whole. The HELIX has captured the imagination of the public both locally and nationally and I have no doubt that this groundbreaking environmental project will become a great source of pride for everyone.

“The HELIX includes a number of innovative elements, all of which combine to create a truly landmark project. The breathtaking Kelpie boatlift is quite simply an engineering marvel which is set to become a major tourism asset for Scotland, attracting visitors from across the globe.

Canal investment brings social and economic benefits

“Independent research has shown clearly that the rebirth and investment in Scotland's lowland canals has resulted in a range of social and economic benefits to canalside communities across the country, and I firmly believe that The HELIX project will have a similar impact across central Scotland and beyond.”

A partnership between Falkirk Council, British Waterways and Central Scotland Forest Trust, The HELIX is a key project in the My Future’s In Falkirk economic regeneration initiative for the Falkirk Council area.

Its name comes from the distinctive shape of the project as it spirals down from Langlees to Laurieston and Polmont.

Work is expected to start in 2008 and will progress over three distinct phases and will span a ten year period and beyond. To deliver The HELIX, a Trust will be established and will have representatives from the partnership as well as community representatives.

The overall project costs will be in the region of £49 million.