Falkirk's plans for a new town hall have reached a major milestone, with Glasgow-based architects Stallan Brand named to deliver the £70m scheme.

Selected through a competitive process involving several of Scotland's leading practices, Stallan Brand will take forward the design of the new Town Hall.

The firm is noted for work on high-profile and culturally significant projects including the Falkirk Wheel, the 2014 Commonwealth Games Athletes' Village, Barclays' new European campus in Glasgow, and Aberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens. It also brings significant experience in theatres and cultural spaces such as Glasgow's Tron Theatre and SWG3.

The team's first task will be to refine the layout and overall design, drawing on extensive feedback gathered through public consultation. These proposals will underpin pre-application engagement and the development of the business case.

Work on site is also progressing: the former Callendar Square shopping centre and Antonine Hotel site have been completely cleared and levelled, with new hoardings now in place around the boundary.

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When complete, the building will feature a 550–600 seat main auditorium, a studio theatre, Falkirk Central Library, an advice and support hub, a café and bar, workshop and dance spaces, and flexible areas for civic and community use. Once the design is finalised, a public consultation on the venue's name will be held before a recommendation is put to councillors for a 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 said: "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 project forms part of the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, supported by £6m from the UK and Scottish Governments alongside further investment from Falkirk Council. Subject to planning, procurement and construction, the venue is expected to open in 2028/29.