What's Happening?
Balfour Beatty has been appointed by IMPACT Scotland to construct the Dunard Centre, a £162m concert hall in Edinburgh. This will be the city's first purpose-built music venue in over a century, featuring
a 1,000-seat auditorium, café, bar, and flexible event spaces. The structure will include a five-storey steel frame clad in pre-cast concrete panels, with solid oak panelling for acoustic enhancement. The project follows an 18-month early contractor involvement phase, addressing buildability challenges on the constrained city centre site. Construction is set to begin soon, with completion expected in 2029.
Why It's Important?
The Dunard Centre represents a significant cultural investment in Edinburgh, enhancing the city's reputation as a hub for arts and music. It will serve as a venue for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Edinburgh International Festival, attracting an estimated 200,000 visitors annually. The project supports local economic growth through job creation and apprenticeships, while promoting Scottish SMEs through a local supply chain strategy. The venue's development aligns with cultural and economic objectives, contributing to Edinburgh's cultural landscape and tourism industry.
What's Next?
Construction is expected to commence in the coming weeks, with Balfour Beatty employing around 200 operatives at peak. The project will create new apprenticeship roles and support ongoing SVQ Modern Apprenticeships. The completion of the Dunard Centre will provide a state-of-the-art venue for cultural events, enhancing Edinburgh's cultural offerings and supporting the local economy.
