A Preliminary Market Consultation (PMC) has been launched in a bid to identify suppliers, funders, or developers capable of delivering a new facility.

It follows the decision of councillors in August to back a proposal to progress a replacement of the building, which has not been used for performances since early 2023, following the discovery of reinforced aerated autoclave concrete (RAAC) in the building.

Performances have been held within other buildings, such as Haddington Corn Exchange and smaller venues in Musselburgh, while other council services have – or are in the process of – relocating to alternative accommodation.

The cost of refurbishment and RAAC remediation has been estimated at over £42.2 million, with demolition and rebuild in the region of £50.7m. Pressures on the council’s finances mean that delivering a new facility will require an alternative funding model that potentially involves commercial finance, government support, grant funding, or a combination of these.

Members approved a proposal to test the market’s appetite to become involved in future redevelopment of the Brunton Hall, gathering useful analysis to inform next steps. This underlines East Lothian Council’s commitment to redevelop the site to include theatre and performance space, potentially including commercial development of the remaining spaces to offset the cost of delivering the required arts provision, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.

Over 98% of respondents to a survey which took place as part of a place-based development project earlier this year were in favour of a facility for the arts in Musselburgh. When asked how this could be delivered, people pointed to grant funding from sources such as the Scottish Government, Arts Council or National Lottery, increased commercial activity, Common Good, corporate sponsorship, private donations, community ownership or public share issue.

The PMC, which has been issued through Public Contracts Scotland, highlights that the redevelopment of the Brunton site offers the opportunity to create a landmark cultural destination within one of Scotland’s fastest-growing regions. A new facility, it explains, has the potential to complement the local area’s leisure and tourism assets, while serving a growing local population. 

Council leader Norman Hampshire said: “This is a very positive step forward in our work to safeguard accommodation for the arts in Musselburgh. The decision to close and mothball the Brunton, which has played a key role at the heart of Musselburgh since 1971, was a very difficult one to take.

“The Preliminary Market Consultation signals the next step in our work to progress as quickly as possible with an affordable solution for alternative accommodation to maintain all the associated cultural, economic and social benefits that has been delivered at the Brunton Hall over many years.

“It highlights the strength of our ambition for what a newly-provided facility could be that replaces the Brunton – a building everyone can be proud of that reflects and enhances the Brunton Hall’s significant legacy and a space that is fit for the future with community, art, and culture at its heart.”