Fallowfield Benches Enhance Heritage at The Falkirk Wheel

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The Falkirk Wheel, Scotland

Our Fallowfield concrete and timber benches have been designed and manufactured by our teams for The Falkirk Wheel in Scotland, standing as a testament to high-quality craftsmanship and hybrid design.

Client: JW Grant

Year: 2024

The Fallowfield Bench is a large concrete bench designed for strength and durability in public spaces. It features an acid-etched concrete finish for a clean, textured appearance, with timber seating slats and a matching backrest for comfort and warmth. Galvanised mild steel armrests provide added support and corrosion resistance, making the bench suitable for high-use outdoor environments.

Designed to withstand the varying Scottish weather conditions, these benches offer comfort and longevity in the surrounding landscape of the 5km active travel route and complementing the historic and natural environment of The Falkirk Wheel.

Thanks to funding from Falkirk Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a series of community engagement workshops were held where drawings, photographs, and artworks were carefully selected to represent the rich stories and connections people have with the canal and the surrounding area.

The artworks were transformed into vibrant ceramic tiles, and in a poetic nod to history, the tiles were then transported by boat along the Forth & Clyde Canal to Falkirk, echoing the industrial transport routes of the past. These beautifully crafted tiles were added into the benches, turning them into meaningful community landmarks that celebrate local heritage and creativity.

The Falkirk Wheel itself is an iconic piece of engineering and a symbol of regeneration for the region. As the world’s only rotating boat lift, it connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, enabling smooth and efficient navigation between the two waterways. The installation of our Fallowfield benches enhances the visitor experience by providing comfortable seating enriched with community stories.