DETAILED plans for the future of The Fraser Centre have been lodged with East Lothian Council.

The report sets out proposals to create new entrances at the rear of the site, and create a new ‘L’ shaped plan which would include a two-door lobby entrance into a reception area with a cafe opening onto gardens.

It would also retain its traditional main street entrance, with new signage and plans for two cinemas to be established within the property, alongside lettable office space.

The main cinema would be two storeys high, while the second, smaller screening room would also have a mobile stage and dressing-room area off it to allow for theatre performances.

The plans, which are currently awaiting a decision by East Lothian Council officials, represent years of planning by The Fraser Centre Trust and fundraising.

The centre sits on the site of the former Winton Cinema in the town and provides a wide range of classes and events for the local community.

However, in a report to the council, its consultants said the current layout restricted the variety of events which could be held at any given time.

It said: “The centre currently provides a wide variety of services, including dance classes, elderly activity, day care for old and young, theatre clubs, a cafe space, lettable space in addition to the cinema offering.

“Due to the building condition, much of these services are provided from a single refurbished hall space at the centre of the building, while newly refurbished with a high-quality kitchen facility adjacent, the hall suffers from lack of natural light, restricted ceiling heights, ventilation.

“In addition, the various users are severely restricted in respect of available booking times, which in turn limits the centre’s potential to increase revenue and ultimately expand its service.”

Fundraising efforts by Friends of the Fraser Centre and fellow supporters have been ongoing to support the proposals.

As well as offering people the chance to become a Friend of the centre, there are also opportunities for supporters to have their name on a star on the centre’s walls or buy a seat in the new cinemas, which are offered to local businesses and supporters to involve themselves with.

There are also fundraising events organised including a talent night and concert which is being organised for next month, a Christmas craft fair and plans to kick off 2017 with the centre’s own Big Fat Quiz.

For more information about supporting the centre and upcoming events there, go to www.thefrasercentre.com