The council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have taken the decision to close Callendar Square car park to the public amid mounting safety concerns. Access to the multi‑storey facility was blocked on Friday after an enforcement measure was served, with police and local partners reporting a series of incidents that have compromised the building's condition.
Reasons for closure
Authorities say the car park — formerly attached to the now‑demolished Callendar Square Shopping Centre — has suffered from persistent fly‑tipping, deliberate fires and anti‑social behaviour. Those activities have reportedly damaged internal stairways, rendered fire doors ineffective and left the alarm system non‑operational, prompting action on public‑safety grounds.
Local traders have voiced relief at the move. One business owner, who asked not to be named, said the area had become a hazard after objects were hurled from the roof and windows were repeatedly smashed.
“There’s been stuff dumped all over the place and there have been fires started so it’s becoming a hazard,”
He added that his premises had been hit on multiple occasions and that damage to surrounding shops has been substantial. Reports from the area include accounts of rubbish being set alight and items such as bricks, paint containers and, more recently, a chainsaw being thrown from the structure.
Who is involved and what happens next
Falkirk Delivers, the local business partnership, confirmed it has been co‑ordinating with Police Scotland, the Fire Service and Falkirk Council as concerns escalated about the building's state. A Falkirk Council spokesperson said the authority had contacted those responsible for the operation of the car park following complaints.
| Organisation | Role |
|---|---|
| Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | Served prohibition notice; assessed fire risk |
| Falkirk Council | Engaged with operators; supporting enforcement |
| Police Scotland | Responding to anti‑social behaviour reports |
Impact on town centre and next steps
The closure removes a central parking option at a time when businesses say the town centre still needs practical support following the shopping centre demolition. Local traders have called for either repair and reopening or full demolition of the structure to remove what some describe as a magnet for criminal and dangerous behaviour.
Officials have not published a timetable for remedial works or permanent closure. The prohibition notice prevents public use while safety assessments and any required remedial action are considered. Residents and businesses have been urged to report ongoing incidents to Police Scotland to support enforcement and any future legal action against those responsible.
- Safety first: the car park remains closed while risk assessments continue.
- Businesses affected: several shops nearby have reported broken windows and vandalism.
- Community input: residents should report incidents to Police Scotland to assist investigations.
Further updates are expected as the council and emergency services progress inspections and decide on a longer‑term solution for the building, which local traders say cannot be allowed to continue presenting a public hazard.
