ABSTRACT
The concept of the town hall as a local civic and community focus has a continuing importance for communities. The name civic centre is considered as a more appropriate description or title, and even more fashionable expressions such as 'The Hub' or 'The Cube' have been adopted where the association with an outdated concept of local authority administration is no longer desired. The character of the civic chamber as a traditional oak-paneled room with all the allusions of grandeur attributed to outdated civic notions is not something that is prized by forward-looking councils. In support of the civic functions of the council, meeting spaces and committee rooms are required in proximity to the civic chamber. A central feature of the community function of the town hall/civic centre is the community hall. This is a space essentially for the use of the community but also for corporate events. It might accommodate large-scale weddings, concerts, pantomimes, plays, dances and banquets.
