A BID to save the much-loved Brunton Hall from demolition by designating it as a listed building has been rejected by Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
The heritage body's decision follows an assessment of the building, informed by public consultation.
Described as “a major example of post-war architecture in Scotland”, the Brunton Hall would not be listed due to the “advanced stage of development proposals”, HES said.
A public consultation was launched after it was shown that the “landmark” building in the town centre, well known for its theatre, met the criteria for listing at category B as being of special architectural or historic interest.
But the move 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, argued that, as a structure, The Brunton merited listing in order to preserve what it said was 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.
“Following an assessment of the building informed by public consultation, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has concluded that the Brunton Hall civic centre complex in Musselburgh is of special interest for listing, but that development proposals are too far advanced to list the site,” said HES.
It added: “When deciding whether to designate a site while there are ongoing development proposals, HES considers the impact that designation would have on these plans; the effect of the proposed development on the significance of the site and the extent to which plans have already been developed.
"East Lothian Council is currently considering the future of the building due to the presence of RAAC in its roof.”
As part of the assessment of the site, HES carried out research and a public consultation to gather evidence about the significance of the site.
More than 300 people from Musselburgh and across Scotland, as well as from further afield, took part in the consultation, providing “valuable” information to inform the decision.
Dara Parsons, head of designations at HES, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in our consultation and gave their views on the building.
"When making decisions about designations, we consider the individual circumstances of each case.
"Because of the advanced development proposals for Brunton Hall, we decided not to proceed with listing at this time.
"Although we have decided not to list the site, we hope that our report setting out the special interest of the building will inform the decisions that are made about the site.”
A meeting of East Lothian Council in August had been told that the future of the arts in Musselburgh would be "bleak" if the theatre became a listed building.
Tom Reid, the council’s head of place, told elected members that there was no money to rebuild the Brunton Hall, saying: “If HES lists the building, it will be incredibly difficult for the council to replace it and the outcome would be a bleak future for the arts in the town.”
Following HES's decision, a council spokesperson said: “We have set out our ambition for a replacement facility that reflects and enhances the Brunton Hall’s significant legacy with community, art and culture at its heart.
“The Brunton Hall has played a significant role at the heart of the community since 1971 and we recognise and understand the affection many people have for it.
"We note Historic Environment Scotland’s decision not to list the current building.
“Following extensive specialist and technical surveys, our options appraisal determined that repair was likely untenable due to the significant financial cost.
“We are progressing work to ensure accommodation for the arts in Musselburgh and explore opportunities to finance a replacement of the building.
"We are currently carrying out a preliminary market consultation (PMC) in a bid to identify suppliers, funders, or developers capable of delivering a new facility. This runs until the end of January.”
As the Brunton Hall is classified as a Common Good asset, the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 requires the council to publish details of any proposed changes to Common Good assets and to open these proposals to community councils for consultation.
Formal consultation will be carried out on any firm demolition proposals before a final decision is made.
Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, welcomed the decision, adding: “The original proposal missed the point of what makes The Brunton so special.
"Its value lies in what it offers to the community and the shared experiences inside – not its concrete exterior.
“Now East Lothian Council can move forward with a modern replacement, fit-for-purpose arts centre that the community needs and deserves.”
Jacqueline Campbell, chairperson of Musselburgh & Inveresk Community Council, said: "Whilst it is incredibly sad what is happening with the Brunton, that holds such a special place in the hearts of many people of Musselburgh & further afield, I think the lack of a community hub, theatre and large function rooms is detrimental to the community. I would hope that the positive to come from HES pulling out would be that we can move forward quickly with a replacement."
More information about the consultation and the decision can be found on CitizenSpace.
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