We know people have a lot of questions about the project, and we’ve tried to capture the key ones here.  

Some details may change as the project progresses, but we’ll continue to update this page as new information becomes available.

The project is already underway, with site clearance and early design work in progress. Construction will follow once planning approval is in place. 

We're working with Hub East Central Scotland and a wide range of external partners to deliver the project. Internally, we’ve set up a project working group and project board to oversee the project and ensure it stays on track.  

The concept design shows we can fit the key elements of the new town hall on the site. However, as we continue to hold stakeholder sessions and public consultation, we expect some aspects of the design may be refined.

There may also be technical reasons for changes as we carry out further work on the site and develop a clearer picture of how the building will be constructed and operated - including the long-term costs of running the venue.

The concept design is likely to evolve as we prepare to submit a planning application, particularly in areas like the external appearance, materials, and finishes. After the planning application is lodged, further technical and internal design work will take place to make sure the building meets requirements such as fire safety, acoustics, and accessibility - all of which are needed for building warrant approval.

The design will continue to evolve as we move through statutory processes like planning and building warrant, and as we tender and cost the project in more detail. Some elements may need to change if they are unaffordable or not feasible within the available budget.

The design is expected to be fully fixed before the Council signs a construction contract. Once that contract is signed, the design will be locked in for the build phase.

A feasibility study conducted in 2022/23 identified the need to replace the old Falkirk Town Hall and other council buildings with one multi-use modern building, designed to support a wide range of activities that will meet the current and future needs of the council and the local community.

That’s why the new venue will bring key facilities together – such as a theatre, the library, studio space, the Advice and Support Hub - under one roof. It will also have a key role in supporting the regeneration of the town. See The Proposals.  

We explored different auditorium sizes, looking carefully at the local market, previous audience numbers at the former town hall, and what’s offered by other venues that may be viewed as potential competitors.

This capacity offers the best balance – it’s large enough to welcome a wide range of performances and events, while still being flexible enough to support everything from professional shows to local community use. It also reflects what’s sustainable for a venue of this scale, based on both projected costs and the mix of community, cultural and entertainment events the venue is likely to support.

There are ongoing discussions with potential commercial partners about the kinds of shows and events they could bring to the new town hall, which will continue to shape the final design.

Importantly, the number of seats is only part of the story. The former town hall was a well-loved venue, but its stage size and backstage facilities made it harder to attract certain types of performances. The new venue will offer a larger stage and more expansive backstage areas, such as modern changing areas and upgraded technical spaces. These are essential for attracting a wider mix of events and creating a better experience for performers and audiences.  

The aim is to make shows and events affordable, so ticket prices will be kept in line with other venues of a similar size across central Scotland.

Including the library in the new town hall brings together culture, learning and community services in one central, accessible location. It allows us to make better use of shared spaces - like Changing Places toilets, buggy parks and studios - and avoids duplicating facilities across separate buildings.

Relocating the library to the new venue puts it at the heart of community life, helping bring more people into the town centre throughout the day.

The library will continue to offer everything people value - from books and study areas to digital access and activities for all ages - but in a brighter, more flexible space that connects directly to other services and is part of a venue designed to support activity throughout the day and into the evening.

The new town hall will be built on the site of the former Callendar Square shopping centre and Antonine Hotel, with entrances on High Street and Callendar Riggs.  

Visitors will be able to use any town centre car park, including Callendar Square Multi-Storey (2 minute walk) and the Howgate car park (5 minute walk). Parking charges will apply. 

Free on-street disabled car parking is available nearby at Callendar Road, Manor Street, Meadow Street, and East Bridge Street.

The Municipal Buildings and former town hall site are in the process of being sold and will be redeveloped for housing, with proceeds helping fund the new project. 

A feasibility study will be carried out to explore new uses for the space currently occupied by Falkirk Library. 

The Burgh Buildings will be sold, and the proceeds will go to the Falkirk Common Good Fund. The Registrars Service, previously based there, has temporarily moved to Falkirk Library with marriage ceremonies held in Callendar House. The service will relocate to the new Advice and Support Hub once the venue opens. 

The project is expected to cost around £69.84m. It will be funded through a combination of:

• Council capital investment, typically funded through borrowing
• £6 million from the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, funded equally by the UK and Scottish Governments
• Income from the sale of surplus Council sites, including the Municipal Buildings and Abbotsford House

 How council funding works

Council services are funded in different ways depending on what they deliver.

For example, Housing services are funded through a separate budget called the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This is mainly made up of council house rents and is legally ring-fenced - meaning it cannot be used for other projects like the town hall, roads, or schools. Similarly, general Council funds cannot be used to top up the housing budget.

Over the next five years:

• Around £253m will be invested through the HRA to maintain and improve council homes and increase the supply of affordable housing
• Separately, the Council will invest around £120m in property projects, including education, and around £72m in roads, bridges and infrastructure

The Council’s capital and revenue budgets are separate. Capital budgets are used for long-term investment in assets like roads, buildings and equipment, and generally cannot be used to fund day-to-day running costs.

The town hall project is being funded from the Council’s capital programme.

We’re organising a range of in-person and online consultation and engagement activities to provide you with a way to feedback and ask questions. See Feedback. 
 
For general questions about the project, you can contact us via townhallproject@falkirk.gov.uk. 

We’ll share regular updates on this website, via our social media channels, and in the local media.