STALLAN Brand has been appointed by Falkirk Council to design the new £70 million Falkirk Town Hall.
The Glasgow-based architectural practice was behind the design of the Falkirk Wheel, with the local authority noting its extensive experience in designing theatres and cultural venues – including the Tron Theatre and SWG3 in Glasgow.
Stallan Brand will now finalise the design and layout based of the town hall based on the extensive feedback received to date through public consultation. The designs will then form the basis for engagement as part of the pre-planning application and business case development processes going forward.
Falkirk Council added that the wider project is progressing well, with the former Callendar Square Centre and Antonine Hotel sites now completely cleared and levelled ahead of the build of the facility.
When complete, the building will include a 550–600 seat main auditorium, a studio theatre, Falkirk Central Library, an advice and support hub, café and bar, workshop and dance spaces, and flexible areas for civic and community use.
Once the design is finalised a public consultation will take place on the venue’s name, and a recommendation will go to councillors for a final decision.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council, said, “Stallan Brand are an award-winning firm widely recognised for delivering iconic designs for functionally flexible buildings.
“Fundamental to their final proposal will be incorporating the feedback from the large-scale consultation carried out last year with thousands of individuals and groups who gave their views on how this project should represent the community’s aspirations.
“It is an exciting step forward in the project and one that shows ongoing commitment to deliver a quality venue that is built for the future.
Paul Stallan, design director at Stallan-Brand, added, “As one of Scotland’s a leading architectural practices Stallan-Brand are genuinely motivated to address poverty, inequality and wellness through inspired architecture and places that serve to connect people.
“The aim of the New Falkirk Town Hall project is to unite the community by creating inclusive new public spaces and activities to create a more joyful town centre. We therefore commit to championing a human centred design that responds to the genuine needs of people and the local regeneration initiative.
“We are very excited to lead on the design, recognising that considerable trust has been placed in our practice.”
The new venue is due to open in 2028/29, subject to planning, procurement and construction processes.
