Opportunity to help shape future of facilities
We're 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 our Place Making Project, we are 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, 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 people 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 hear thoughts 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.
Get involved
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 asked to contact us in advance by email: placemakingproject@eastlothian.gov.uk
Find out more.