Theatre at demolition risk over Raac loses listed building bid

The Brunton Theatre was closed in 2023 after Raac was discovered in the roof

A bid to save a theatre after it was threatened with demolition due to dangerous concrete has been rejected by heritage experts.

Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh was mothballed over safety concerns in 2023 when it was discovered Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (Raac) had been used in its construction.

Campaigners were hopeful Historic Environment Scotland (HES) would give the building, which was opened in 1971, protected listed status.

They hoped this would halt the demolition. But HES said plans for the site were "too advanced" to justify placing it on the listed register.

East Lothian Council described repairing the building as "untenable" due to the high financial cost.

The local authority has listed demolition as its preferred option but remains hopeful a replacement facility can be built in its place.

In their decision, HES acknowledged the theatre was of "special interest" and would have merited a place on the list.

But Dara Parsons, head of designations at the heritage body, said alternative plans had already been made for the site.

He 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."

Performances at the theatre were temporarily moved elsewhere in the region until it was decided whether the building would remain viable.

Parts of the building and attached halls – which also included council housing and social services – were zoned off in March 2023.

That followed the discovery of Raac within the roof panelling.

The material was used as a lighter and cheaper alternative to standard concrete during construction between the 1950s and 1990s.

However, concerns were raised over its durability due to its maximum predicted lifespan of about 30 years.

Thousands of homes as well as private and public buildings across Scotland are thought to contain the material.

The cost of demolishing the theatre and building a new facility is estimated at about £50m.

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said a consultation to find "suppliers, funders or developers" to take on the project would run until January 2026.

They added: "We note Historic Environment Scotland's decision not to list the current building.

"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 have set out our ambition for a replacement facility that reflects and enhances the Brunton Hall's significant legacy with community, art and culture at its heart."

Additional reporting by local democracy reporter Marie Sharp.