Falkirk Council is seeking public input for the new town hall’s name and design, aiming to create a civic center that reflects community needs.
Falkirk: Exciting news! The council is kicking off a public consultation for the new town hall on High Street. They want to hear from everyone about what they envision for this civic center and even what it should be called.
Paul Kettrick from Invest Falkirk mentioned that this consultation will be way bigger than the usual planning process. They really want to gather thoughts from all kinds of folks about how the building should look and function.
He reassured everyone that the designs shared earlier are just a starting point. They’re meant to spark conversation, not set anything in stone. Some councillors have noticed that many locals are confused about the project, thinking it’s just an arts gallery.
Originally, plans were made back in 2019 to replace the old municipal buildings and create an arts center, but then the pandemic hit and things got delayed. Now, with many staff working from home, the need for a big office in the town center has changed.
However, the new theatre is still on the agenda, along with a library and a space for council meetings that can also serve the community. The council is eager to hear what the public wants in this new town hall.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn called it an “ambitious and transformative project” that could really revitalize the town center. She also pointed out that the building needs a name that resonates with the community, so they’re asking for suggestions.
While there’s a lot of support, some councillors are worried about transport and parking, especially for those with disabilities. A traffic impact assessment is in the works to address these concerns.
There’s a multi-storey car park nearby, and they’re in talks with the owner about it. Councillor Anne Hannah shared her fond memories of the old town hall and asked if young people would be included in the consultation. Kettrick assured her they would be involved.
Funding is a big topic too, with the project estimated to cost around £70 million. The council is looking for ways to cut costs and boost income, possibly by sharing space with other organizations.
They’ve committed £45 million as part of a local Growth Deal, which will see a total of £100 million invested in the area. If this project doesn’t go ahead, they’ll need to propose something similar instead.
Kettrick emphasized that the £70 million investment could bring significant economic benefits, but they need to show it’s worth the money. The consultation will help guide that process.
Any funding shortfall might come from what the council calls ‘service concessions,’ which are funds available after adjusting repayment plans for local schools. Councillors were reminded that if this money is used for the council’s budget, there won’t be any left for investment.
Cllr Meiklejohn sees this consultation as a major step forward. She believes that allowing locals to suggest a name will help them feel connected to the new town hall, making it a place they can truly call their own.
Once they gather name suggestions, a selection will go to the executive for approval and then be put to a public vote. Exciting times ahead for Falkirk!
