THE multi-million-pound im-provements to Alloa’s town centre took one step closer to completion this weekend.

 

Though not yet unveiled, the three 10ft figures created by artist Rob Mulholland were installed into the town’s High Street on Sunday (May 2), with the events space set to be finished by Friday (May 7).

Angela Leitch, chief executive of Clackmannanshire Council, said: “The art pieces being installed will be a dramatic statement for the town centre. Together with the other art works in the town, they will demonstrate to the rest of Scotland and how important we see the role of public art in regenerating a town centre.”

 

The £2.4 million initiative has targeted four areas in Alloa for upgrading – Shillinghill, Primrose Street, High Street and Drysdale.

 

The High Street was closed on Sunday to allow for the impressive trio to be brought into their new home. A fourth statue was chosen by local residents to complement

 

Rob’s creations and after many suggestions of what could represent Alloa’s past or present, the winning choice was a figurine of a female mill worker.

 

This fourth statue will be placed at Greenside Street, near the Kilncraigs building.

 

The weekend also saw new street furniture – including stainless steel benches and bins – being added to the other upgraded streets.

 

The introduction marks the near of the end of the project, something which Clackman-nanshire Council’s chief executive says is “exciting” for the town.

 

Ms Leitch said: “Seeing the project near completion is very exciting. There has been a significant investment in the town centre over a very short space of time and during the worst winters in recent memory.

 

“We have completed the majority of the project just three weeks late, which is to be applauded. I would like to thank the town centre traders for their patience throughout the work, I’m sure they can now appreciate that the work was worthwhile and they can see for themselves the tremendous difference the improvements have made to the town.”

The final stage of the project will be carried out later this month when the bus station area at Shillinghill will have the final road surface and markings laid.