Councillors to consider consultation on the naming of Falkirk’s new town hall venue
Councillors will be asked later this month (26 March) to support the next stage in naming Falkirk’s new town hall and cultural venue, with a shortlist of four potential names set to go out to public consultation.
The naming process follows one of the largest engagement exercises ever carried out by the Council. In total, 7,488 took part (including 6,200 young people) in surveys, events and workshops to help shape the future venue.
Officers have since worked with community groups and stakeholders to develop a shortlist of names that reflect Falkirk’s heritage, civic identity and the role the building will play in the town centre.
If councillors agree, residents will be invited to help choose the final name through a public consultation expected later in the year.
Proposed names
The four proposed names are:
- The Spark – referencing Falkirk’s industrial heritage
- Silver Row – reflecting the historic location of the site
- FK ONE – a modern identity linked to the Falkirk area
- The Ha’ – a Scots word meaning hall or communal civic space
The naming process forms part of the wider development of the new town hall, which is one of the largest regeneration projects currently underway in Falkirk.
Feedback highlighted strong support for a modern, welcoming building that brings together arts, culture and community services in the heart of the town centre. Respondents also emphasised the importance of flexible community spaces, a well-designed and accessible central library and areas that are welcoming for young people.
The project is also a cornerstone of the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal signed in November 2024. This agreement secured £148.7m of investment in the wider Falkirk area to stimulate growth, support a just transition and promote innovation and community wellbeing. This included the UK and Scottish Governments committing a combined £6m towards the new Town Hall, with Falkirk Council committing at least £45m as part of its contribution to the wider Deal.
A total budget of £69.8 million is set aside for the new Town Hall, and latest research predicts it could generate over £119m in Gross Value Added nationally, with £105m directly benefitting the Falkirk area.
It is also forecast to create at least 20 direct jobs in the venue, alongside wider indirect employment in the town centre in retail and hospitality.
The new building will bring together a theatre, a new central library and support hub as well as a meeting place for Falkirk Council. The aim is to create a single destination for culture, learning and community activity in Falkirk town centre.
Once complete, the venue is expected to attract visitors from across Falkirk and the wider region for theatre performances, cultural events and community activities. This increased footfall will support shops, cafés and other local businesses in the town centre.
Malcolm Bennie, Director of Place Services said:
This is a transformational project for the wider Falkirk Council area and it is crucial that we select the right name for the venue. The proposed consultation would give residents the opportunity to help shape what it should be called.
“The shortlist has been developed with input from community groups and stakeholders so that the options reflect Falkirk’s history, identity and civic life.
“I’m delighted to see that thousands of local people have already contributed to shaping how this major venue could best improve the lives of people in the area and play an important role in future regeneration.
“Councillors will now consider the progress made to date and decide whether they agree with the suggested way forward for the project.
Further information about the project is available at www.falkirk.gov.uk/fth.