The Dunard Centre — Edinburgh’s first purpose-built concert hall for more than a century — announce it has signed a construction contract with Balfour Beatty to build the world-class venue, with work due to begin on site within weeks and construction set for completion in 2029.
“The contract, valued at £162 million, will see Balfour Beatty deliver an ambitious architectural landmark of global and cultural significance on the recently cleared site behind the historic RBS branch on St Andrew Square,” said the Dunard Centre.
“The signing follows an in-principle pledge of an additional £20 million in funding by First Minister John Swinney, which has been matched pound-for-pound by (philanthropist) Dr Carol Colburn Grigor.
“The Dunard Centre is part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal through which the Scottish and UK Governments have already committed £10 million each, alongside £5 million from the City of Edinburgh Council.
“Alongside the public funding, IMPACT Scotland has raised over £100 million to date from private philanthropy, setting a new capital funding record for a cultural project in Scotland.
“The charity’s fundraising demonstrates how public investment can be used to leverage significant philanthropic giving and deliver exceptional return on investment from government support. IMPACT continues to actively fundraise, with plans to launch a public campaign once main construction is underway.”
Dunard Centre CEO Jo Buckley said: “This is a huge milestone for the Dunard Centre, and an historic moment for the city, which has looked forward to this new venue for many years. With a contract signed, we can now get to work on building Edinburgh’s first new concert hall for more than a century.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Balfour Beatty, who will lead the construction of this bespoke, world-class building and bring David Chipperfield and Nagata’s visionary design to life.
“IMPACT owes so much to the belief and tenacity of many individuals and organisations, whose support from the earliest stages through to today has brought this project to fruition.
“We are particularly grateful for the strong partnership between government and private supporters, who together have shown how public funding can be used as a catalyst for exceptional philanthropic giving — a record, indeed, for Scotland.
“Today’s announcement would not have been possible without the extraordinary additional pledge from Scottish Government, and the match funding it has unlocked, in recognition of the long-lasting impact this project will have on the people of Scotland.
“As a living, breathing community centre with a concert hall at its heart, the benefits of this landmark investment will be felt daily by countless individuals and communities for generations to come.”
First Minister John Swinney said: “I greatly welcome the signing of this contract as the next step towards the establishment of an exciting new cultural venue in the heart of Scotland’s capital.
“The Scottish Government is proud to support the Dunard Centre in recognition of its potential to significantly boost Edinburgh’s cultural offering and provide a new home to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
“I am therefore delighted to pledge a further £20 million in Scottish Government funding to secure the Dunard Centre’s future, subject to our funding conditions being met, which has been very generously matched pound-for-pound by Dr Carol Colburn Grigor.
“This public investment is in addition to the £10 million we have already made available, as part of our £300 million investment in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with IMPACT Scotland and the Dunard Centre as the project progresses.”
Supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Dunard Centre will be the first UK venue with acoustics by the renowned Japanese firm Nagata Acoustics, and the first concert hall anywhere in the world designed by the multi-award-winning David Chipperfield Architects with Reiach and Hall Architects.
The 1,000-seater venue will host all types of music — pop, rock, classical, folk and jazz — as well as providing a permanent home for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and a new venue for the Edinburgh International Festival.
Social and economic impact assessments carried out this year by the Dunard Centre show that the venue will generate £266.9 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) over its construction and first 20 years of operation.
Expected to attract 200,000 visitors and support nearly 300 jobs each year, the hall is projected to increase spend in Edinburgh and the surrounding region by £8.6 million a year.
IMPACT Scotland Chair Ronnie Bowie said: “Ambitious projects like this really do only come about once in a century, and they are driven forwards by the strength of their partnerships. Delivering a major infrastructure project of this kind, amidst the global and economic challenges we have seen in recent years, has been no small feat and is a testament to the strength and perseverance of the delivery team.
“Signing this contract with Balfour Beatty is another celebratory step towards making our vision a reality, and we look forward to working alongside our many other stakeholders to create this ‘Hall for All’ — a space which really will offer something for everyone, whether it’s experiencing a phenomenal live show, a workshop, a class, or simply gathering over a coffee.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I’m pleased that the main construction contract for the Dunard Centre has now been signed, signalling the start of work on this outstanding venue.
“Once complete it will not only provide a stunning, world-class concert hall, but will help open up the arts to people from all backgrounds. As a major venue for the Edinburgh International Festival it will play a part in the world’s greatest annual celebration of the arts too.
“This key moment is a product of strong partnerships, between local and national government, private benefactors and the third sector, and demonstrates the strength of support for the project. I can’t wait to see the centre take shape and I’m sure people across Edinburgh will share in my excitement.”