A new report has revealed that a proposed new Falkirk Town Hall could generate significant economic benefits for the town, attracting an additional 300,000 visitors per year and contributing £3.38 million annually to the local economy.
The ambitious project, including a regional theatre, a civic centre, a library, and a café, is a key component of the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal and aims to revitalise the town centre.
However, the report also acknowledges that the project's cost has risen to £69.84 million due to construction inflation.
The Council will explore funding options, including service concessions from available funds, to address the increased cost.
"With the rise in business rates the venue could cost up to £1.5m per year to operate but adds that officers are already working on plans that could bring this down significantly prior to opening in mid-2028," the report stated.
The Council will hold a public consultation later this month to gather feedback from residents and businesses on the venue's design and offerings.
The new Town Hall is expected to open in mid-2028, subject to planning and funding approvals.
Malcolm Bennie, Director of Place Services at Falkirk Council, said: "The new Falkirk Town Hall is the key to unlocking lasting regeneration of the town centre by adding significant new footfall to the high street, as well as securing the recently agreed £148m Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal.
"The venue would provide a regional home for creative productions like touring theatre, music and popular comedians, create an accessible environment for the civic functions of the Council, host a stunning new library and learning hub for all ages, and a modern café and bar area for the general public to gather.
"These improvements are predicted to bring hundreds of thousands of extra visitors to the town centre which would be worth more than £3m in growth every year. This impact, in addition to the benefits flowing from the £148m Growth Deal make this a worthwhile investment for the future of the whole of the Falkirk area.
"It is now up to councillors to consider if our team can go out and engage with the public, business and local stakeholders such as amateur production groups to ensure the end vision fully matches the needs of the local area. If agreed, then a full business case on the Town Hall would come back for approval in 2025/26."
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Construction News
10/01/2025
New Falkirk Town Hall Could Boost Economy By £3.38m Annually
Latest Construction News
10/01/2025
A new report has revealed that a proposed new Falkirk Town Hall could generate significant economic benefits for the town, attracting an additional 300,000 visitors per year and contributing £3.38 million annually to the local economy. The ambitious project, including a regional theatre, a civic ...
10/01/2025
Organisations in the Outer Hebrides have the opportunity to apply for funding to support innovative decarbonisation projects, with up to £2.86 million available. The ICNZ Outer Hebrides Transition Fund, part of the Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ), is inviting proposals from businesses, academic ...
10/01/2025
A three-day online summit will take place next month to examine the progress and challenges of retrofitting homes in Glasgow and the surrounding region. The summit, hosted by Glasgow City Council as part of its annual Retrofit Action Week, will bring together hundreds of stakeholders, including ...
10/01/2025
Aberdeenshire Council is set to introduce a range of improvements to an existing path between Montgarrie and Alford, creating a dedicated active travel route. Construction work will begin at the end of January, involving path widening, surface improvements, and the installation of a new ...
10/01/2025
Remediation works on the Cairngorm funicular railway resumed this week, with the aim of returning the train to service as soon as possible. While significant progress had been made in strengthening the 1.8km viaduct before Christmas, inspections identified areas requiring further attention. Once ...
10/01/2025
Network Rail has successfully demolished an old bridge over the railway line at Craigo Road, near Marykirk, and begun construction of a replacement. The project, which involved closing the railway line on Sunday, 5th January, saw engineers remove the existing bridge and crane in the main sections ...
10/01/2025
City of Glasgow College, in collaboration with key industry partners, is developing a groundbreaking platform to enhance innovation within Scotland's built environment sector. The Built Environment Innovation Assessment (BEIA) platform will provide organisations with a comprehensive evaluation of ...
10/01/2025
A significant step forward has been taken in the development of a housing proposal for the site of the former Glenwood Centre. Fife Council's Cabinet Committee has given its approval to the plans, paving the way for a mixed-tenure development. The proposal outlines the construction of 44 flats ...
10/01/2025
A new railway station in Winchburgh could be given the green light with West Lothian Council set to consider a proposal to become co-promoter for the project next week. The new station has been part of the masterplan for the Winchburgh Core Development Area for some time, but securing funding has ...
10/01/2025
North Ayrshire Council Leader Marie Burns recently visited three major construction projects in the region, totalling approximately £35 million in investment. The first project, a £4.6 million seawall in Largs, has been completed. The new precast concrete structure replaces a deteriorating 1970s ...