Burgh Hall
- Theatre ID3673
- Built / Converted1874
- Dates of use
- 1874 - 1960: as civic hall
- 2009: continuing
- Current stateExtant
- Current useArts Centre (being refurbished as a community arts facility)
- Address195 Argyll Street, Dunoon, Argyll & Bute, PA23 7DE, Scotland
- Website
Details
A prominent building in the centre of Dunoon, the Burgh Hall was designed by Robert A Bryden, a gift to the people of Dunoon by Mr Macarthur Moir. The hall was formally opened on 25 June 1874. Built on a corner site in Scottish Baronial in style, its imposing façe is grey-green rubble with cream sandstone ashlar dressings. The building's purpose was to provide municipal offices and a hall that would accommodate 500. It served these purposes until it closed in the 1960s, when the Queens Hall took over its role. Left empty and decaying, the building was sold to a housing association in 1993 - and again in 2001 to another housing company. Conversion to accommodation was prevented by local objections, and the building suffered further dereliction until early 2009 when it was purchased by the John McAslan Family Trust. Working with the Friends of the Burgh Hall, the Strathclyde Building Preservation Trust and the local community, the McAslan Trust committed £75,000 to carry out essential repairs, including works to the roof, replacement windows, combating dry and wet rot, plumbing, heating and electrical work, cleaning and painting as well as seeking funding opportunities and developing strategies for future use of the building. With these works well under way, the Trust is working towards transform the Hall into a community arts centre. Works are scheduled for completion in 2012.
Rear elevation of the Burgh Hall, Dunoon showing entrance to the balcony, August 2011.
© The Theatres Trust
New metal structural support alongside original wooden roof truss, Burgh Hall, Dunoon during restoration works, August 2011.
© The Theatres Trust
Hall and stage from the balcony, Burgh Hall, Dunoon during restoration works, August 2011.
© The Theatres Trust
Balcony at the rear of the Burgh Hall, Dunoon, during restoration works, August 2011.
© The Theatres Trust
Rear staircase leading to the first floor hall (right) and further up to the balcony (left side), Burgh Hall, Dunoon, August 2011.
© The Theatres Trust
Rear entrance to the Burgh Hall, Dunoon, leading from the street up to the balcony, August 2011.
© The Theatres Trust
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Events
- 1874 Design/Construction: Hall formally opened on 25 June.
- Robert A Bryden - Architect
- 1874 - 1960 Use: as civic hall
- 1874 Owner/Management: Local authority, owners
- 1993 Owner/Management: Sold to housing association
- 2001 Owner/Management: Fyne Homes, owners.
- 2009 Use: continuing
- 2009 Owner/Management: John McAslan Family Trust, owners.
- 1874 Design/Construction: Hall formally opened on 25 June.
- Listings
- Grade B
