ELC tests the market on Brunton replacement
Preliminary Market Consultation issued for Brunton Hall
The East Lothian Council has issued a Preliminary Market Consultation (PMC) for Musselburgh’s Brunton Hall, in an attempt to find suppliers, funders, or developers who are capable of delivering a new theatre.
While the redeveloped site must include a dedicated theatre and performance space, the remainder of the site “may be considered for commercial development to help offset the cost of delivering the arts facilities”.
Any potential developer wishing to show an interest in the development has until 30 January 2026 to make their bid known to the council.
The Brunton Theatre. Pic: Thom Dibdin
The Brunton Hall, which includes the Brunton Theatre, was closed in early 2023 following the discovery of Reinforced Aerated Autoclave Concrete (RAAC) in the building. The ELC says the cost of refurbishment and RAAC remediation is over £42.2m, with demolition and rebuild in the region of £50.7m.
Following the closure of the theatre, the Brunton Theatre Trust’s activities have moved to the Haddington Corn Exchange, for its major live performances, and the Loretto School Theatre in Musselburgh for film events. This year’s pantomime, The Wizard of Oz, will open in Haddington (Fri 5 – Sat 13 Dec) and transfer to Loretto (Fri 19 – Sat 27 Dec).
Public support for the Brunton Theatre has proved its status a much-loved local institution. This Spring the ELC included a question about the future of the Brunton Theatre in an East Lothian-wide survey as part of its place-based development project.
Responding positively
Over 98% of respondents 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 Scottish Government, Arts Council or National Lottery, increased commercial activity, Common Good, corporate sponsorship, private donations, community ownership or public share issue.
Responding positively to the survey, the ELC committed itself to redeveloping the Brunton Hall site to include a theatre and performance space at its meeting on 26 August 2025. They agreed this could potentially include commercial development of the remaining spaces to offset the cost of delivering the required arts provision, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.
The council has said it is: “open to exploring a range of delivery structures, including joint ventures, development partnerships, leasing and operator-led models, to secure a sustainable outcome.”
Council leader Norman Hampshire described the publication of the PMC as a very positive step forward in the council’s work to safeguard accommodation for the arts in Musselburgh.
next step
Hampshire added: “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.”
The Preliminary Market Consultation can be viewed here.
ENDS
