Deconstruction teams moved in to start clearance works for Edinburgh’s new concert hall yesterday, with the old Royal Bank of Scotland building getting a send off.
The bank's 1960s annexe of its headquarters at 36 St Andrew Square is being turned into a 1,000-seater venue designed by David Chipperfield Architects and acousticians Nagata Acoustics.
The site of the Dunard Centre's future stage was the location for a short performance by Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s cellist Su-a Lee to a small group, including construction workers.
She commented: ”When Dunard Centre opens, it will give musicians a very special place to perform music of all genres - as a member of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, I know that we are all looking forward to getting to know this new space and bringing together some amazing performances for our audiences.”
Sir Robert McAlpine is the firm appointed to manage preparatory works, which will level the site, ready for the build.
It is expected that all clearance work will be complete by late 2023 and that work will begin on the new concert hall soon after.
The venue will be a new home for Scottish Chamber Orchestra, as well as a new venue for Edinburgh International Festival.
The Dunard Centre is being funded through philanthropic donations, including the Dunard Fund, and underpinned by £25m support from the Scottish and UK governments and the City of Edinburgh Council, as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.
RBS is providing a long-term lease for the land.
Scottish Government Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “I welcome this progress towards creating a world-class concert hall and new home for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in Edinburgh, it promises to inspire audiences and performers for generations to come.”
City of Edinburgh Council leader Councillor Cammy Day said: “As well as reinforcing Edinburgh’s position as the Festival City and attracting top international performers, I particularly value the Dunard Centre’s commitment to community outreach, promoting inclusion, enabling the participation of people from all backgrounds and building an audience that reflects the true, diverse nature of society.”
Judith Cruickshank, chair of the Scotland board at RBS, said: “The Dunard Centre will provide a new, flexible space to continue that tradition and create opportunity for more musicians and artists to develop and create.
“This site has been part of our story for almost 200 years, and we’re delighted to continue that story by helping realise the vision of the Dunard Centre for the benefit of future generations.”
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