Brunton Hall in Musselburgh could become a listed building

A consultation is now under way after research showed that the “landmark” building in the town centre, well known for its theatre, meets the criteria for listing at category B as being of special architectural or historic interest.

But the move has attracted concern, with East Lothian Council saying that pursuing a 'listed' designation would “compromise” its ability to progress an “affordable solution to replace the Brunton”.

Musselburgh Conservation Society, however, argues that, as a structure, the Brunton merits listing in order to preserve what it says is not only “an outstanding piece of mid-20th century modernist architecture” but also a “rare surviving example” of architect Sir William Kininmonth's work.

Sections of the Brunton Hall, which was officially opened by the Queen Mother in the summer of 1971, were originally closed in March 2023 after potentially unsafe reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was found, before councillors agreed a plan last October to permanently close the building and replace it in the future.

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

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The Brunton Hall, described by HES as “prominently” located at the junction between North High Street and Bridge Street, housed The Brunton theatre as well as council services on Ladywell Way.

HES, the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, said: “We're now gathering views and information to inform a decision about whether to list the building.

“The Brunton Hall is a Late Modern public building and has been an important centre of civic administration, as well as a popular community hub and arts venue.

"Civic centres of this kind are no longer common in Scotland and the Brunton Hall is one of few examples in Scotland that are of architectural significance and survive with much of their early character and form intact.

“East Lothian Council is considering the future of the building and this site due to the presence of RAAC in the roof.

“HES is asking for views on the significance of the building and the assessment. The organisation is also seeking more detailed information from East Lothian Council on the nature and status of the proposals for the site, which it will take into account in its decision.”

The Brunton Hall

HES added: “The Brunton Hall was designed in a Brutalist style by the renowned Scottish architect  Sir William Kininmonth, of Rowand Anderson Kininmonth & Paul, who was an important proponent of modern architecture in Scotland.

“The building is a major example of post-war civic architecture in Scotland. The distinctive design was carefully considered, in terms of its scale, materials and plan form, and conveys a sense of civic importance whilst integrating well within its historic setting.

"It also shows a high level of material quality and features a large piece of abstract public art by the Scottish artist and sculptor Tom Whalen.

“The building is one of only a small number of civic centres that were ever built in Scotland, and it is rare for the survival of its early character and form. It is also one of the few remaining examples that incorporated a civic theatre, a feature that was largely confined to those that served the larger towns and cities.

“The Brunton Hall is a high-quality and carefully articulated example of a large civic complex and arts venue. It was a key component of Musselburgh’s post-war building programme and its scale, complexity and ambition were unusual for a smaller Scottish burgh at this time.

“We are now gathering views on our proposal to list this building at category B. We will make a final decision based on a full understanding of the significance of the building and the development status following the conclusion of this consultation.”

Listed building consent is needed to make changes to a listed building that planning authorities deems will affect its character.

The Brunton Hall

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: “The Brunton Hall has played a key role at the heart of the Musselburgh community since 1971, particularly as a key venue for the arts and entertainment.

“We are keen to progress as quickly as possible an affordable solution for alternative accommodation to maintain all the associated cultural, economic and social benefits.

“We have been working with Historic Environment Scotland since RAAC was discovered.

“Following extensive specialist and technical surveys, our options appraisal determined that repair was likely untenable due to the significant financial cost.

"To date, council and Government bodies have not identified the £50-60 million that would be required to repair the existing building.

“We have been carrying out a place-based development project to explore viable options for future service delivery and accommodation of the arts in the Musselburgh area. Engagement on this has been taking place in recent months and, whilst the main asset report will be presented in October, officers are presenting a report to East Lothian Council in August on potential ways forward.

“We are ambitious for what a newly provided facility could be that would replace the Brunton – a building that reflects and enhances the Brunton Hall’s significant legacy and a space that is fit for the future with community, art and culture at its heart.

“Although unintended, pursuing a listed designation will compromise our ability to progress an affordable solution to replace the Brunton.”

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Colin Beattie, Musselburgh MSP, said: "The proposal to list the Brunton Hall misses the point of what makes it so special.

"Its true value lies in what it offers to the community – the events, performances and shared experiences that take place inside.

"What Musselburgh needs is a modern replacement fit for purpose, not the preservation of an outdated building."

Councillor Shona McIntosh, ward member, commented: “I can see why HES and the public would want to explore the possibility of making the Brunton a listed building and formally acknowledging its importance as a piece of architectural heritage.

“However, unless as they list it HES also provide £50-60 million to do the repair works, then this isn’t a route to actually bringing that site back into use as an arts space without delay.

"I hope people will be able to think about that complexity when making their responses to the consultation.

“There is clearly a huge appetite in the toun to secure a future for the site where we can all enjoy culture there again. Listing the current building would honour its past but it might not be a very helpful step towards that future.”

Mark Becher, a Longniddry resident and member of Musselburgh Amateur Musical Association (MAMA) who launched a petition to replace the Brunton with a new theatre and arts facility, said: “The HES announcement is an interesting one.

"Opinions are likely to be divided, as there are those who have a fondness for the appearance and style of the existing building and those who would prefer to see a more modern structure take its place.

“This would also involve challenging the result of  the council’s surveyors report and their conclusion that the current building is structurally unsound and unsafe, with RAAC and asbestos throughout and, consequently, that it would be too difficult and too costly to repair.

“I think that it is fair to say that, having been without a performing arts centre for over two years now and with no firm plans yet under way for a replacement, the people of East Lothian would be disappointed if there was further delay to the Scottish Government and the council ultimately providing the performing arts facility which the region needs and deserves.”

The Brunton Hall

Douglas Alexander, Lothian East MP, added: “Clearly, there is an established process by which Historic Environment Scotland considers the listing of buildings and I would encourage anyone with views on this to respond to its consultation.

“However, personally I hope any decisions on this matter will not delay the return of a viable performing space on the Brunton site, which I know is sorely missed by residents and the wider community.”

Alastair Learmont, chair of Musselburgh Conservation Society, said: "The Brunton Hall is a vitally important community resource both for Musselburgh and for the wider area, having attracted audiences from far afield to enjoy a wide range of performances.

"The council amenities previously operated from the hall are also of paramount importance to local people.

“As a structure, the Brunton Hall certainly merits listing in order to preserve what is not only an outstanding piece of mid-20th century modernist architecture, but also a rare surviving example of architect Sir William Kininmonth's work. It’s part of what makes Musselburgh special.”

Chris Murray, Musselburgh MP, added: "We all know the Brunton has faced its challenges but my priority is to ensure that Musselburgh keeps a community arts venue and thriving cultural life.

"I'm working as hard as I can as things progress, and I will watch the next developments closely with our councillors and MSPs."

And Musselburgh councillor Andy Forrest said: “At the Brunton Hall, the work done by the council and the Brunton Theatre Trust has for many years brought a fantastic array of talent and shows to East Lothian.

"While I appreciate that people have a love for the Brunton Hall and may wish the current building to remain, giving it a listed status will compromise the ability to achieve what the council and the people of Musselburgh want for the future, which is a modern arts building that can build on the fantastic work done over the years while continuing to promote the Brunton brand.

"At a meeting of East Lothian Council in October, the Brunton options paper confirmed that it is unaffordable to repair and the council therefore committed to prepare viable options for future accommodation.”

Go to historicenvironment.scot/about-us/news/consultation-on-the-potential-listing-of-brunton-hall to take part in the HES consultation, which closes on September 11.