Friday October 2nd 2026
East Lothian Council headquarters
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
East Lothian Council is seeking views on whether community organisations may be interested in taking on a greater role in the management of some buildings through long-term community benefit leases or, where appropriate, community asset transfer arrangements.
As part of its Place Making Project, the council is keen to see high-quality, well-used community facilities continuing to operate across the local area.
As result of a paper approved by elected members in October 2025, council officers were asked to engage with local communities to explore options for the future management and operation of a number of community centres and village halls, as well as Haddington Town House and Dunbar Town House.
The first of two public engagement exercises, which seeks views on a range of potential operation models, is now underway. This gives local residents, including community organisations, the opportunity to share their views. The feedback received during the engagement will help inform a report to a council meeting on completion of the engagement.
These facilities play an important role in supporting local communities and the engagement provides an opportunity to listen to residents, community organisations and existing stakeholders about how buildings can continue to be sustained and thrive in the future.
The first engagement exercise, which runs until 31 December 2026, focuses on North Berwick Community Centre; Gullane Recreation Hall; Pennypit Centre, Prestonpans; Port Seton Centre.
A second engagement exercise, planned from 18 January 2027 to 26 April 2027, will focus on Macmerry Village Hall; Ormiston Community Centre; Haddington & Nungate Community Centre; Whitecraig Village Hub; Longniddry Community Centre; Prestonpans Community Centre; Dunbar Town House; Haddington Town House; Trevelyan Hall, Pencaitland;
Council Leader Norman Hampshire said:
“These facilities play an important role in communities across East Lothian and we want local people to help shape their future.
“Like many councils across Scotland, East Lothian Council continues to face significant financial pressures arising from rising demand for services, increased operating costs and reduced funding in real terms. The Place Making Project is exploring ways to support the long-term sustainability of community facilities and ensure communities continue to benefit from quality local buildings and services. Community-led models may provide opportunities for local organisations to access funding streams that are not generally available to local authorities.
“No decisions have been made at this stage. This engagement is about understanding community views, working with local residents and groups and exploring whether there is interest in alternative operating models that could support the long-term sustainability of valued buildings.
“We would encourage anyone with an interest in their local facility to take part in the survey or attend one of our public engagement events.”
Engagement events will be held on the following dates:
– Monday, 26 October (2pm and 7pm) – Gullane Recreation Hall
– Tuesday, 27 October (2pm and 7pm) – North Berwick Community Centre
– Tuesday, 10 November (2pm and 7pm) – Pennypit Centre, Prestonpans
– Tuesday, 17 November (2pm and 7pm) – Port Seton Centre
Anyone who wishes to attend an engagement event is requested to contact us in advance by email: placemakingproject@eastlothian.gov.uk
As well as the above events, the engagement includes:
An online and paper-based survey seeking views from residents, building users and community organisations:
– North Berwick Community Centre
– Gullane Recreation Hall
– Pennypit Centre, Prestonpans
– Port Seton Centre
Information on each facility is being made available through the council’s website and paper surveys available in libraries.
The feedback received during the engagement will help inform a report to a future council meeting.
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