Emerging Ideas / Proposals - Falmouth Town Council

Emerging Themes and Early Ideas

The following themes summarise the main ideas being explored as part of this consultation.
They are presented to invite feedback and discussion, not to propose final solutions.

Alongside improving the building itself, we are also exploring how library and gallery spaces and services could evolve over time to remain accessible, welcoming, and responsive to future needs.

This includes considering how spaces are arranged, how different activities take place, and how people move through and use the building.

These are early ideas, and we welcome views on what should stay the same and what could change.

A Welcome For All

Improving access and arrival is a key priority.
Ideas being explored include:

– Enhanced step-free access, including improved ramps and lift access
– Clearer, more welcoming entrances
– Improved signage and wayfinding throughout the building

We want to understand how welcoming and accessible the building feels today, and what could make it easier for everyone to use.

A Shared Heart Space

One idea being explored is the creation of a central welcome or “heart” space within the building.

This could:

– Bring together gallery, library, and community services
– Provide a clearer sense of orientation on arrival
– Act as a shared point of information, activity, and welcome

We are keen to hear whether this approach feels helpful and how it might work in practice.

Mixed Collections and Connections

Another theme explores mixing books, art, ideas, and activity more fluidly across the building.

This could involve:

– Greater connections between library and gallery collections
– Spaces that encourage browsing, discovery, and informal learning
– New ways of presenting collections that reflect contemporary use

Your feedback will help us understand how people feel about shared or overlapping uses, and what feels appropriate within a shared civic building.

Community and Learning Spaces

The building has the potential to support a wide range of community activity.

Ideas being explored include:

– Flexible spaces for workshops, talks, and learning
– Areas for schools, families, and community groups
– Spaces that support creativity, making, and participation

We are interested in what types of activities you would like to see and how often you might use them.

Celebrating Heritage

The Passmore Edwards Municipal Building is a Grade II listed building with significant historic character.

Any future work would seek to:

– Respect and conserve original features
– Reveal and celebrate the building’s architectural qualities
– Balance heritage with contemporary use

We welcome views on how the building’s history and identity should be reflected in its future.

Sustainability and Climate Resilience

Improving the building’s environmental performance is a key consideration.

Ideas being explored include:

– Improving insulation and thermal performance
– Making the building more resilient to climate change
– Exploring renewable energy solutions where appropriate
– Reducing running costs and environmental impact

We would like to understand which sustainability priorities matter most to the community.

Guiding Principles

Any future proposals will be guided by the following principles:

Every Part Matters
Every area of the building should contribute positively to the overall experience.

Mixed Collections
Encouraging connections between art, books, learning, and civic life.

Reuse Before Rebuild
Respecting the existing building and intervening only where necessary.

Sustainable and Responsible Design
Improving environmental performance while respecting heritage constraints.

Design for Place and Time
A contemporary approach rooted in Falmouth’s history, creativity, and maritime character.

Supporting Documents

You can explore these emerging ideas in more detail by downloading the supporting documents below:

– Municipal Building Draft Plans v1 (PDF, X MB)
– Passmore Edwards Municipal Building – Indicative Floor Plans (PDF, X MB)

These documents are provided to support the consultation.
You do not need to read them in order to take part.

If you need the documents in an alternative format, please contact us.

Have Your Say

These ideas are starting points.
We want to hear what works, what doesn’t, and what could be done differently.

Have Your Say – Complete the Survey

You can also:

– Attend a public consultation event
– Email your comments
– Use the contact form on this website