To be demolished

Here is our local Brunton Theatre, which some say is a hideous building (but full of wonderful community spaces inside) designed by Sir William Kininmonth, who was an apprentice of Sir Edwin Lutyens and later worked with Sir Basil Spence. It was opened by the Queen Mother in 1971.

This building was funded by a local worthy, John Brunton who left a bequest for the good of the local community. In 1951. It took another twenty years for the bequest to be realised. 

All was going well until 2023, when part of the theatre was "zoned off" because of the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the roof panelling. 

Today, East Lothian Council voted unanimously to close the building and to consult on its demolition after consultants said that repairing it would be "untenable".

It’s all very unfortunate, as the building very much cements the local community. The next issue is to make sure that we get a replacement community space, which includes a theatre and it’s not left to drift through lack or will or money.

It should be noted that when RAAC was used in the building when it was built, which was no doubt due to costing issues, little did they realise it would become an issue 52 years down the line. Decisions have consequences … 

There will be much discussion going forward.

I hope you have had a good day. 

P.S. it’s National Cat Day!