PLANS to breathe new life into one of Haddington’s most recognisable buildings could be paused due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Pure Malt Products has been given the go-ahead to make changes to the five-storey Bermaline Maltings building, off the town’s Whittingehame Drive.

The building is listed as being of special architectural or historic interest and the business, which is a global leader in manufacturing malt-based ingredients for a wide variety of products, had impressive plans for the site.

However, those moves could be halted by the coronavirus outbreak, despite East Lothian Council’s planning department having already given the scheme the green light.

According to the planning officer’s report: “The building has been significantly altered throughout its history, with replacement floors and many structural interventions to accommodate the changing uses and processes within it.

“The building is currently only partly used by Pure Malt, who are continuing the nearly 800 years’ use of the site in the processing of grains and cereals.

“The remainder of the building is currently unused and has fallen into disrepair.

“Essential maintenance works are now required to prevent the building falling into a dangerous state.”

The planned alterations to the building are to facilitate the upgrading of the existing facilities on the site.

Much of the external work includes the installation of roof lights, with two new sections of roof and the re-opening of former windows.

Inside, documents show changes planned on various floors.

On the ground floor, three unused malting rooms would be transformed, with a 64-seat canteen being created, as well as a reception area and changing facilities for men and women.

There are also plans for a staff gym on the ground floor.

Upstairs on the first floor would be office space, including meeting rooms, with further meeting rooms created on the second floor, as well as other rooms, including a micro lab.

Currently, the business has premises on both sides of Whittingehame Drive.

No objections were received by East Lothian Council regarding the plans, although no start date has been identified for the work to get under way.