Call for Musselburgh Old Town Hall restoration to be ‘priority’

Plans to restore Musselburgh’s historic Old Town Hall to its former glory should be given “priority” to become a reality following a successful public consultation exercise, one of those leading the project has said.Barry Turner, a trustee of Musselburgh Museum and Heritage Group which is leading the refurbishment plan, said that there had been “a lot of positive feedback” from the community.The museum and heritage group, along with Musselburgh Area Partnership, which allocates funding for the town from East Lothian Council, has been working with specialist architect Richard Shorter on the £2.5 to £3 million project.Two options are being considered: one which has an entrance from the High Street frontage through a pend under the Tolbooth; and another which has the entrance from the open area in front of the building, beside the open stairway.The consultation, which was supported by Musselburgh Area Partnership and ended on Monday, included an open day which attracted about 175 people.The Old Town Hall and Tolbooth, which is situated on High Street, has played a major role in the life of the town over many years, including as a court, jail and police station.The building dates from the late 1400s but has been little used since civic functions moved to the Brunton Hall.Suggestions from the public for its future use included everything from equipping the main hall as a music venue for small concerts and events to including a restaurant, arts and cultural space, open-air eatery, expanded museum, and opening up the jails and clock tower as a tourist attraction. Some were keen to see a children’s play area featured, as well as meeting rooms, a youth cafe, cinema club, exhibitions, craft training venue and garden area.