Views sought on East Lothian Council buildings including Brunton Theatre
The future of East Lothian council buildings including The Brunton Theatre, has been put to the public as the local authority looks to save £3,6m in running costs.
A new survey has been launched seeking residents views on the use of 29 buildings ranging from the RAAC-hit theatre to village halls, libraries and local offices.
They are being asked to describe the value the buildings bring to their communities as well as for views on how they could be used in future.
East Lothian Council said the month long survey which includes drop in sessions across the county is an 'engagement process' and a chance for people to have a say over how its properties are used.
They said: 'While there are no plans to stop or reduce these services, new approaches to the operation of buildings could help ensure the council has good quality, well used assets within local communities offering modern and flexible facilities to meet the needs of local residents.
'This could be achieved by using buildings differently, for example in some communities co-locating services which might currently be delivered from different buildings under one roof.
'There could also be opportunities for communities to take over the running of some buildings – such as by leasing them, community asset transfer or looking at opportunities with community planning partners and others.2
Among the buildings being discussed in the survey is The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, which is closed and expected to be demolished after the discovery of crumbling concrete known as RAAC in its ceiling.
People are asked whether they used the theatre before it shut its doors, what they believe it brings to the community and if the council 'need to replace the Brunton Hall & Theatre'.
Also in the survey are the council's Haddington headquarters John Muir House alongside the attached former courthouse, which is owned by the local authority.
People are asked about the head office 'are there any ways of making savings or increasing / generating income at this building that could be explored?'
Participants in the survey are told the could has approved savings including £3.6m from reducing current operational property running costs, alongside £23.4m capital receipts from land and property sales.
The council said: 'In order to support these challenges, it is hoped this placed based asset review will ensure the council operates good quality and well utilised buildings with modern facilities in a sustainable and efficient way.'
Drop in sessions are being held next month at various sites.
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
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