RAAC is a significant issue and its discovery – in the Brunton Hall and elsewhere – is also a challenge to building owners (particularly local authorities).
And so, I have sympathy for East Lothian Council, in the current economic climate, as it's understandable that demolition be considered.
Yet economics isn’t the issue. Vision is what is required!
Collectively, a re-discovery of how John Brunton and Musselburgh Town Council brought into being such a building.
And so let me be clear: the Brunton Hall does not need to be demolished or replaced (as I’ve recently written in both Fisherrow and Musselburgh Conservation Society Facebook posts).
I made an application to Historic Environment Scotland (HES) last October to consider the listing of the Brunton Hall due to its architectural, civic and cultural significance. This process is ongoing and my understanding is that a determination will be made in the near future.
But why, you might ask?
First, there’s significance in the architect, Sir William Kinninmonth. Much of his work has been lost already – just Google 'Renfrew Airport Terminal' and marvel at its design as you notice elements of the Brunton Hall in the making. Then marvel at its demolition during 1978 – without listing or protection!
Second, is the nature of how the Brunton Hall was gifted to the town of Musselburgh, for the benefit of this, and the surrounding locality.
Third, there are, and will be, ongoing developments in responding to RAAC which, importantly, affect the roof structure (only) of the Brunton Hall – not the overall structure.
Fourth, is the environmental impact of demolition, as opposed to repurposing.
If listed, there is opportunity to enable a long-term phased redevelopment plan for the Brunton Hall, focussing initially on the reinstatement and reopening of the theatre, followed by other elements of the building.
But to do so requires a co-ordinated response via East Lothian Council, elected officials, community, public and other interested groups or parties.
That said, let no one be under any illusions: if the Brunton Hall is demolished, it is unlikely to be replaced by anything of significance or of similar scale.
And remember too that only now – almost 30 years later – is the former Brunton’s Wire Works site being fully redeveloped since its demolition during 1996!
Rev David T. Gray B.Arch BD
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