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A bid to save a much-loved East Lothian theatre from destruction by winning it protected status has been thrown out by historic experts.
Campaigners, concerned Musselburgh could lose The Brunton Theatre, had asked Historic Environment Scotland (HES)to make it a listed building.
The Brunton has been mothballed for more than a year after crumbling concrete, known as RAAC, was discovered in its construction and faces demolition with plans being drawn up for new art facilities in the town.
HES launched an investigation into whether the brutalist building which was opened by the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in 1971, should be listed opening a public consultation on the issue,
However they have now said that despite acknowledging the building is ‘if special interest’ and justified listing, development plans for its site are ‘too far advanced’ for them to intervene.
Ruling against giving the building the special status, Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said: “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.”
A meeting of East Lothian Council in August was told that the future of arts in Musseslburgh would be ‘bleak’ if its mothballed theatre becomes a listed building.
The council’s head of place Tom Reid told elected members there was no money to rebuild the civic centre, which includes the county’s only public theatre.
He said: “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.”
The theatre was initially shut over two years ago after the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the building but some offices remained in use and the debate over its future continued for several months.
At the time of its closure, it was estimated the cost of refurbishment and RAAC remediation was £42.912 million with the cost to demolish and build a new facility estimated to be £50.742 million.
A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said work continues to identify a replacement facility which reflects and enhances The Bruntonl’s significant legacy.
They said: “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 2026.”
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