THE first steps towards a replacement Brunton Hall have been broadly welcomed, but conservation watchdogs are "seriously concerned" at moves to demolish it.
The building, on Ladywell Way, Musselburgh, has been closed for nearly three years after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was found in its roof.
Early discussions for a replacement Brunton Hall are now being considered by East Lothian Council.
A screening opinion has been lodged with East Lothian Council’s planning department by the local authority.
The description reads: “Replacement of the Brunton Hall including up to the full demolition of the existing building and rebuilding to provide facilities for the arts and potential commercial redevelopment of the remaining land.”
A decision on this application is due by early next month.
Musselburgh Conservation Society has called for a "properly costed" options appraisal followed by public consultation.
Chairman Alastair Learmont said: "We are seriously concerned by the proposal to demolish the Brunton Hall.
"The presence of RAAC concrete appears to be limited, so why should repairs cost £42.2 million? Have the funding options for restoration been fully explored? Why is there no comparison of the environmental cost of demolition and rebuilding as against that of repair? Why is the council seeking confirmation that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required? Why is there no assessment of the historical, cultural and architectural significance of an important post-war civic complex designed by a major Scottish architect?
"A properly costed options appraisal followed by a public consultation is clearly the right way forward."
Jacqueline Campbell, chairperson of Musselburgh & Inveresk Community Council, said: “Whilst we realise saving The Brunton is very emotive, the loss of the community and the hub is really having a negative effect in the community, so we welcome the move to replacement.
“We look forward to an appropriate, thoughtful and fitting replacement as soon as is feasible.”
Longniddry resident Mark Becher, who launched a petition for the Brunton Hall to be replaced with a new theatre and arts facility after its closure, said: “It is very encouraging to see initial planning permission being sought for the redevelopment of the current Brunton site.
"It has been almost three long years since the Brunton Hall ceased to operate as a performing arts centre and we know it may be a number of years yet before we finally see East Lothian equipped with a new purpose-built centre to allow theatre, cinema, dance and music flourish once again.
“Whilst the process seems incredibly slow, this step is nevertheless an important one in re-establishing the Brunton site as the beating heart of the performing arts in East Lothian."
"I am sure that the 6,000-plus people who have signed the petition calling upon East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government to replace The Brunton will be encouraged that there is at last a formal action under way to achieve that aim,” added Mr Becher, a former member of Musselburgh Amateur Musical Association (MAMA) who is now involved with the new Longniddry Players group.
Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, said: “I am pleased that East Lothian Council are progressing discussions for the replacement of the Brunton Hall.
“The Brunton Hall has been a key part of Musselburgh’s identity, and the people of Musselburgh and the wider community deserve a fit-for-purpose modern replacement that will continue The Brunton’s legacy.”
A council spokesperson said: “While closing the Brunton Hall was a very difficult decision to take, work to ensure accommodation for the arts in Musselburgh and explore opportunities to finance a replacement of the Brunton Hall is progressing.
“The nature and extent of the structural issues at the Brunton Hall is significant.
"An option appraisal was previously carried out by officers and a structural engineer to establish the potential technical solutions to remediate the RAAC roof at the Brunton Hall. The options were considered unaffordable.
“Over 98 per cent of respondents to an independent survey which took place last year as part of a place-based development project were in favour of a facility for the arts in Musselburgh.
“Since then, a preliminary market consultation (PMC) has been taking place in a bid to identify suppliers, funders or developers capable of delivering a new facility.
"We are currently reviewing the responses received and will report the findings in due course.”
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