Capital concert hall wins planners’ vote

Proposals to build the first new concert hall in Edinburgh for more than 100 years have been backed by planners ahead of a crunch hearing.

Planning officers have recommended that permission to build the £45 million Impact Centre be given the green light when proposals are determined by the development management sub-committee next week. If approved by councillors next Wednesday, the 1,000-seat auditorium will also include a 200-seat studio for performances, rehearsals and recordings as well as rooms for education and conferences. The open foyer will host music performances and a cafe bar.

Officials said the Impact Centre “would make a valuable contribution to the city’s cultural infrastructure and provide opportunities for its use by the wider community”.

Located behind Dundas House at St Andrew Square, it will also become home to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and will be used as a venue for the Edinburgh International Festival.

Sir Ewan Brown, chairman of Impact Scotland, said: “This is an opportunity for the city to raise its game in terms of cultural infrastructure.”