New lease of life planned for Falkirk church as place of worship and community hub
A former Falkirk town centre church is being given a new lease of life.
St Andrew’s West Church in the town’s Upper Newmarket Street is being turned into a community hub after being acquired by RCCG Falkirk Life House.
The organisation, which previously had premises in Camelon, will use the historic building as both a public place of worship and a welcoming sanctuary for the wider community.
The building is intended to be used not only for church services, but as an inclusive community facility offering practical support, companionship and opportunities for local engagement.
The church will hold a dedication/opening ceremony on Saturday, September 12 followed by a thanksgiving service on Sunday, September 13 – everyone is welcome to come along.
RCCG Falkirk Life House will continue its charitable and welfare activities in its new home, including providing free breakfasts to people within the community.
Further plans for the premises include a food bank, charity shop, affordable creche and daycare provision, as well as counselling and befriending services.
The church halls will be made available for members of the community to hire for events, as well as being used by other charitable organisations supporting local people.
A spokesperson for RCCG Falkirk Life House said: “We are delighted to have acquired St Andrew’s West Church and its halls.
"Our vision is to create a welcoming place of worship that also serves the practical and social needs of the community.
"We want the building to be a place where everyone feels welcome, supported and valued.”
Residents, community groups, charitable organisations and local partners are invited to attend the opening event this weekend and learn more about the church’s vision for the building.
The opening ceremony will take place from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, while the first Sunday service takes place on Sunday from 11am to 1pm. All are welcome.
St Andrew’s West Church closed its doors in December 2025 with the congregation joining with those from Larbert Old and Bothkennar and Carron churches to form Larbert Cross.
The Upper Newmarket Street church is a distinctive red brick building with an imposing 130ft spire.
The property was one of a number locally to be disposed of by the Church of Scotland in recent years as it struggles to cut financial costs and recruit ministers amid a background of dwindling congregation numbers.