Residents asked for thoughts on the future of The Brunton

The council has launched its 'Place Making Project', which reviews properties in the county that deliver, or have the potential to deliver, general face-to-face services.

The Brunton Hall, which housed The Brunton theatre as well as council services, on Ladywell Way, is included in the county-wide consultation, as is Musselburgh East Community Learning Centre, Musselburgh Library, Musselburgh Old Town Hall, Wallyford Learning Campus and Whitecraig Village Hub among other buildings.

The Brunton Hall, which was officially opened by the Queen Mother in the summer of 1971, was closed after potentially unsafe reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was found.

No formal decision on demolition has been made, with councillors agreeing that a statutory consultation will be undertaken, as the building is a Common Good asset.

READ MORE: Residents asked for views on face-to-face council services

Mark Becher, from Longniddry, a member of Musselburgh Amateur Musical Association (MAMA) which staged shows at The Brunton, previously launched a petition titled 'The Brunton Must Be Replaced!'.

He is urging people to take part in the survey, which closes on June 29, saying: "I am really keen to ensure that everyone is aware of the consultation and the importance of it for the future of The Brunton and for performing arts in East Lothian."

He added: "It is really important that the people of East Lothian take the time to complete the online survey to ensure that the council is fully aware of the value that is placed on these community assets and provide their ideas for their future use."

There is also a drop-in event at Musselburgh Library on Monday, June 16, 2-7pm.

Mr Becher said: "I would like to thank everyone who has supported petition, which has now amassed over 5,125 signatures and which demonstrates the strength of feeling which exists around the replacement of The Brunton theatre and the provision of a new performing arts centre for East Lothian by the council and the Scottish Government."

He added: "We would please ask as many people as possible to participate in this survey and consultation exercise, and to tell East Lothian Council exactly why we all feel that the provision of a replacement for The Brunton is so necessary, both for Musselburgh and for the arts in East Lothian in general and what its future use might be.

"There may also be other amenities in the region which the council could develop their usage further – please use this opportunity to let them know your thoughts in improving the quality of our public spaces in East Lothian."

A council spokesperson said: "This engagement is part of our county-wide Place Making Project, which is to review properties that deliver, or have the potential to deliver, general face-to-face services.

"Members of the public can share their views on a wide range of council buildings across East Lothian.

"The Brunton Hall and theatre questionnaire asks how people currently use, and have previously used, the facility, their views on the value it offers, ideas for improvement and replacement, and how this could be funded.

"It is intended to gather a wide range of views that will support decisions on The Brunton’s future, as well as the future operation of other council buildings.

"For the Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig area, this also includes Musselburgh East Community Learning Centre, Musselburgh Library, Musselburgh Old Town Hall, Wallyford Learning Campus and Whitecraig Village Hub.

"No decisions have been made on the future of the Brunton Hall and theatre, and any specific proposals would be subject to further community consultation.

"We encourage people to take part in the engagement events and online survey to share their views on the Brunton Hall and theatre, and other buildings in the area."

The petition is available at chng.it/hN2tgQJdHt

Go to eastlothianconsultations.co.uk/infrastructure/place-making-project to complete the online consultation.