As the new town hall proposal is classed as a major development, we must carry out a Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) before we submit a planning application.   

The PAC focuses on the external design of the building, including:  

• The size and footprint of the building
• Materials and appearance
• Access, transport links and landscaping 

As part of the PAC, you’ll be able to: 

• Attend public PAC drop-in events to review and discuss the proposals
• Take part in a dedicated PAC survey (available online and in hardcopy)
• Join feedback sessions where we'll share what we’ve heard and explain how public input is helping shape the plans 

All feedback will be reviewed, and a report summarising comments and changes will be submitted with the planning application.

Once confirmed, details of PAC events and survey will be shared here, on Participate+, via our social media channels, and through local media.  

Once the planning application is submitted, you’ll have another chance to comment. 

The full set of plans and reports will be published online and advertised locally. You’ll be able to review the proposals and submit formal comments directly to the Planning Authority during a public comment period, which normally lasts at least 21 days. 

This is your opportunity to highlight anything you think should be considered before a final decision is made on the planning application. 

Working with Artlink Central in April and May 2025, we delivered creative workshops and targeted engagement sessions using accessible, hands‑on activities to help people share what they want from the new Town Hall.

More than 100 people took part, including groups less likely to join traditional consultations.

Across the sessions, three themes emerged: 

1. People want a venue for everyone – a place where they feel welcome, safe and able to take part. Many spoke about opportunities to volunteer, perform, exhibit work or use the space for community activities.
2. They want a venue that is welcoming and connected, with good access, clear signage, safe routes into the town centre and places to sit, rest or meet without pressure to spend money.
3. They also want a venue to be proud of, which reflects Falkirk’s identity, celebrates local stories and supports culture, creativity and town centre regeneration. 

We ran two surveys to understand how people want to use the new town hall:

• Public Usage Survey from May to July 2025, which explored preferred activities, use of spaces and what would make the venue welcoming and accessible 
• Young Person Survey in October 2025, promoted through schools and youth settings

Information boards were displayed in libraries across the area between May and June 2025, helping people explore the proposals and find out how to give feedback. This was supported by informal drop‑in chats in Falkirk, Bo’ness and Denny libraries, where people could speak directly with the project team.

During May and June 2025, in‑person drop‑in events were held in Grangemouth, Falkirk and Denny, alongside an online session. These gave people the chance to learn more about the project and understand how to take part in the surveys and wider engagement.