April 23 2024

Falkirk Council is pressing ahead with demolition of the Callendar Square Shopping Centre and Antonine Hotel, after purchasing the dead mall as the site for a replacement town hall.

Local contractor David Morton Demolition has been tasked with taking down the High Street buildings, a delicate 12-month operation that begins with the removal of a link bridge joining the centre to a multi-storey car park next month. Progressive demolition will then proceed from the Kerse Lane and Manor Street end of the retail complex in a £700k operation.

Malcolm Bennie, director of place services said: “The demolition of Callendar Square and the Antonine Hotel marks a significant step forward in our plans to create a high-quality arts and culture venue right at the heart of Central Scotland. It also showcases the council’s commitment and determination to revitalise the town centre.

"As an anchor project in our town centre masterplan, the new Falkirk Town Hall will not only provide essential civic amenities and support our regeneration and placemaking ambitions but also serve as a catalyst for inward investment that will benefit the whole area.”

The new town hall, for which design work is still underway, will deliver a 500-seat auditorium and will combine council services with commercial and community space.

It supersedes a 2015 scheme by Ryder to erect a new HQ on West Bridge Street. Michael Laird Architects are acting as agent for the building warrant but no architect has been formally appointed at this stage.

Image used courtesy ScotDrone.

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