Plans are being put in place to drastically transform a Tranent venue.

A former 1920s cinema, The Fraser Centre is set to undergo a facelift and be transformed into a state-of-the-art facility.

The Fraser Centre Community Trust has been awarded a grant by the Big Lottery Fund to conduct further research into the redevelopment of The Fraser Centre, formerly known as The Winton Cinema.

The ambitious project will see the building rebuilt to meet the demands for a community centre in the town, as well as creating a centre for learning, development, arts and entertainment in Tranent.

Trust chairman Jonny Russell is excited by the plans.

He said: “This is a very exciting time for The Fraser Centre and a massive opportunity to improve the facilities in the town.

“We would like to hear from groups and individuals about how this development can make a real difference in our community.” The plans have had support from both the county MP, Fiona O’Donnell and her Holyrood counterpart, Iain Gray MSP.

Ms O’Donnell said: “Tranent has a large and growing population, including many families with young children, and local people often tell me they would like to see more community facilities. The Fraser Centre is aiming to establish exactly the kind of facility they would welcome.” Meanwhile, Mr Gray added, “The proposed development of the centre would also make a valuable contribution to the wider regeneration of Tranent and give an important boost to local jobs and the economy”.

Open meetings are to be held in the centre next month, organised by Community Enterprise, to allow the public to hear more about the project.

Two meetings will be held on February 12, between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, and again between 7pm and 9pm.