A new town hall is currently set to open its doors in Falkirk in November 2027. The modern civic space will house a 500-seat auditorium, flexible accommodation for commercial and community use and key council services.
As an anchor project in the council's town centre masterplan, the new town hall will not only provide essential civic amenities and support regeneration and placemaking ambitions but also serve as a catalyst for inward investment that will benefit the whole area.
Background
A comprehensive review of council property found the town hall in West Bridge Street had reached the end of its useful life and a new town hall was needed.
Following an extensive search for a suitable location to build the replacement town hall, councillors agreed in May 2023 that Callendar Square Shopping Centre was the preferred site for the new building.
In early 2024, the purchase of the shopping centre and Antonine Hotel was concluded, making way for demolition work to begin in April 2024. It is expected the demolition work will take 12 months to complete.
Work on the design stage of the new town hall is on-going. Engagement with stakeholders and the community will take place as the plans develop.
Demolition approach
We have appointed David Morton Ltd to carry out the demolition work.
The agreed approach is to demolish the Kerse Lane/Manor Street end of the former shopping centre, then progress along Callendar Riggs and onto the High Street then back to the Antonine Hotel. See image below.
To ensure public safety, footpath diversions will be put in place for the duration of the demolition project.
Demolition timeline
September to October 2024
To safely bring down the High Street elevation of the former shopping centre, demolition will take place between 8pm on Saturday and 8am on Sunday over 4 consecutive Saturday nights:
- Saturday 28 September
- Saturday 05 October
- Saturday 12 October
- Saturday 19 October
Two closure points will be set up on the east end of the High Street during these periods, and a diversion route put in place. The closure area and diversion route are pictured below.
During the closures, our contractor will have staff present at both ends of the closure area to guide pedestrians and ensure safe access to properties.
Emergency services will have full access to the area during the closures.
July to September 2024
Following the demolition of the link bridge, work to demolish the former Callendar Square Shopping Centre began week commencing 15 July.
Pictured: Demolition work continuing along Callendar Riggs. Photo credit: Scotdrone
Over the 3 months, the Callendar Riggs side of the building was systematically demolished until it reached the High Street elevation.
In total, 25% of the centre was pulled down during this phase.
May to July 2024
The link bridge connecting the shopping centre with the multi-storey car park was removed and asbestos removal concluded.
April to May 2024
The planted area at Kerse Lane/Manor Street was removed and work to remove asbestos began.
Further information
We're working closely with Falkirk BID to ensure local businesses and residents living near the shopping centre are kept up to date with information about the demolition work as it progresses.
Our officers will also be on hand to answer any questions people may have about the demolition work and the wider new town hall project at monthly drop-in sessions. These sessions will be held in Falkirk Delivers' High Street office.
Information on the project will also be displayed in Falkirk Library.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please come along to a drop-in session, visit the library or email replacementtownhallproject@falkirk.gov.uk.
Alternatively, our demolition contractor, David Morton Ltd, has a site compound located at the front of the former Antonine Hotel. The firm’s contact details are on the signage.