Haddington - former Waterloo Bistro set to become new artist studios

The Waterloo Bistro, also known as Tynehouse Restaurant, has been closed for about five years.

Now, new life could be breathed into the premises on Haddington’s Poldrate after plans to turn it into art studios, with an exhibition space, and takeaway coffee area were given the go-ahead.

Tyne Studios Ltd had applied to East Lothian Council looking to create “a small, vibrant artistic community” that would complement the neighbouring Poldrate Arts & Crafts Centre.

The former Waterloo Bistro has sat closed in recent years (Image: Newsquest)

Robyn Wade, who is at the heart of the plans and also Dukes of West Barns, described getting planning permission as “great news”.

She said: “It is absolutely brilliant.

“We were positive about it but it has been very reassuring that it has been given the go-ahead.

“I think it will have the same community drive, like we have got at Dukes.

“It will be slightly different because in Haddington, especially right next to the Poldrate Arts and Crafts Centre, it has already got a thriving artistic community, which we are quite excited to add to and complement.

“We have already had meetings with them and it is how we can work together.

“There has been quite a lot of interest in the artist studios.”

Those behind the plans pointed to “the successful establishment” of Dukes of West Barns and Dukes Studios as a “clear and demonstratable” demand for artist workspaces in the county.

Robyn Wade is looking forward to transforming the former Waterloo Bistro into a new studio and exhibition space for artists (Image: Newsquest)

They said: “The development will provide a mix of shared and private studios, designed to accommodate a range of artistic disciplines.

“In addition, a flexible ‘break-out’ space is proposed, which will function as a communal area as well as a presentation and exhibition space for resident artists, fostering collaboration and engagement.”

Various works are planned for the building, including replacement windows.

The changes come at the same time as the developers highlighted that the building had been “unoccupied for a long period of time and is deteriorating due to being empty and unused”.

A statement included with the application notes: “The property has been subject to dampness and general disrepair since last occupied.

“Smaller secondary windows around the building are now rotted/missing and are at a stage which are allowing water ingress to the building.

“These windows are fully beyond repair and require replacement with new matching timber casement windows.

“New timber framed windows will be manufactured to suit the existing openings, enhancing the appearance of the existing building, whilst preventing the building from further water ingress.”