COUNCILLORS are to be asked to approve the closure and mothballing of the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh as soon as possible, as plans to demolish the much-loved building are revealed.

A crunch debate will take place next week over a proposal to knock down the community building on Ladywell Way, which was officially opened by the Queen Mother on June 23, 1971, but is now said to be "unaffordable" to make safe for future use.

Councillors are recommended to agree that temporary alternative arrangements for service delivery be put in place, including the relocation of council services to alternative locations.

Significant parts of the Brunton Hall remain out of use due to the presence of RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete), including The Brunton theatre, which closed 18 months ago after the potentially unsafe building material was discovered.

A report on the condition of the building will be presented to elected members at Tuesday’s full meeting of East Lothian Council.

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 the Brunton Hall".

READ MORE: Plea to support The Brunton as it battles for survival

Caroline Rodgers, head of communities, and Tom Reid, head of infrastructure, issued a joint statement saying: "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 the Brunton Hall has deteriorated significantly, including a decline in air quality (for example damp, stuffiness) and a temporary heating system had to be implemented as a result of the existing system failure."

Councillors will be asked to note that permanently addressing the RAAC issues at the Brunton Hall is "unaffordable" and that the preferred option, following appropriate consultation, is to demolish the building at a cost of £3.6 million.

The report to councillors says RAAC in the roof panels has been assessed and it is believed that the cost of repairs to reopen it are too costly, while leaving them is not an option.

It says: “Whilst safety arrangements have been put in place to mitigate the risk associated with these roof panels, there have been cases of sudden failure elsewhere in the UK.

“If the roof panels were to fail, there would be a significant risk of disruption to asbestos-containing materials below, with possible release of asbestos fibres into the air.

"Failure of the roof panels would also be likely to make refurbishment or demolition much more complex and more expensive.”

However, no formal decision on demolition will be made at the meeting, as consultation and further consideration of options will be required.

The council 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.

READ MORE: Concerns raised for the future of the Brunton Hall

It is proposed that council services currently based in the Brunton Hall are relocated to suitable alternative properties. It is expected this will take up to six months to put in place.

The former Citizens Advice Bureau at 141 High Street, Musselburgh, would be the location of the main council presence in the town for face-to-face contact. This would include customer services and the Musselburgh community housing team. There would also be bookable desks for the use of other council services.

Office accommodation for the arts service would be located within the Musselburgh East Community Learning Centre.

The Brunton Theatre Trust will continue to operate with performances at alternative venues.

Aldhammer House in Prestonpans would be reopened as a base for justice social work and business support from the Brunton Hall.

Other services would be located within John Muir House, Haddington. The estates team will be in touch with any external organisation that currently holds a leased space from the council within the Brunton Hall.

Should the Brunton Hall be demolished, it is recommended that a place-based project, consistent with the council’s asset strategy and management plan, is undertaken to determine "the most appropriate, sustainable and affordable way forward".

This could include potential colocation with community planning partners, developing a business case for replacement of the theatre and other performance spaces, seeking alternative locations in Musselburgh.

The joint statement continued: "We recognise that, since the building opened in 1971, the Brunton Hall has been a much-loved facility at the heart of the local community, as well as an important attraction and venue for performing arts.

"We also realise that it has been greatly valued as a place of work and know that this matter will be concerning and upsetting for employees, as well as for the local community and many visitors to the Brunton Hall for events and performances.

"Please be assured that our utmost priority is everyone’s health and safety, whilst identifying sustainable ways of delivering council services to the public, supporting performing arts and accommodating employees."