The lightweight form of concrete was detected in the building back in June last year. The areas found to be primarily affected were those over the theatre auditorium and other performance spaces.

East Lothian Council’s engineering team have been working with structural engineering consultant Narro to assess the full condition of RAAC within the property.

Significant affected parts of the building have been mothballed for some time to ensure that all staff and visitors using operational areas remain safe.

However, a report to be presented to councillors next week highlighted the problems being created by the current situation.

The report stated: “Due to areas of the building being restricted, controlling access for statutory inspections and maintenance is becoming challenging. Also, with reduced staff presence and areas of the building not being used, water flushing has been required to reduce the legionella risk. However, this is becoming more onerous and expensive to undertake.

“With less building use, the working environment within Brunton Hall has deteriorated significantly, including a decline in air quality (e.g. damp, stuffiness) and a temporary heating system had to be implemented as a result of the existing system failure.”

At Tuesday’s council meeting, councillors will be asked to note significant structural issues, the condition of RAAC roof panels, the challenges of maintaining statutory compliance and the poor working environment at Brunton Hall.

Councillors will be asked to approve the closure and mothballing of Brunton Hall as soon as possible, with temporary alternative arrangements for service delivery to be put in place, including the relocation of services to alternative locations.

They will also be asked to note permanently addressing the RAAC issues at Brunton Hall is unaffordable and that the preferred option, following appropriate consultation, is to demolish the building. However, no formal decision on demolition will be made at this time, as consultation and further consideration of options will be required.

East Lothian Council also proposes to undertake a place-based project, which would include public consultation, to prepare new viable options for future service delivery, including accommodating the arts in the Musselburgh area.