Balfour Beatty has been awarded a £162 million contract by IMPACT Scotland to deliver the Dunard Centre, Edinburgh’s first purpose-built concert hall in over 100 years. This landmark project will establish a world-class cultural venue in the heart of the Scottish capital, further cementing the city’s reputation as a global centre for the arts.
The new Dunard Centre will feature a 1,000-seat auditorium designed to the highest acoustic standards, alongside a café, bar and flexible multifunctional spaces suitable for a range of performances and events. Beneath the venue, Balfour Beatty will construct a complex double basement in in-situ concrete, accommodating performer changing areas, storage, and back-of-house facilities.
The main structure will comprise a five-storey steel frame enveloped by pre-cast concrete panels, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal within the historic cityscape. High-quality internal finishes will include bespoke solid oak panelling throughout the auditorium, designed to enhance the hall’s acoustic excellence and audience experience.
The contract award follows an intensive 18-month Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) period, during which Balfour Beatty collaborated closely with IMPACT Scotland and design and engineering partners to refine every aspect of the construction methodology. This process addressed the buildability, sequencing and logistics required for the tightly constrained site located behind St Andrew Square, one of Edinburgh’s most prominent urban locations.
Delivering sustainable construction and local opportunities
Balfour Beatty’s delivery strategy for the Dunard Centre places strong emphasis on digital construction, sustainability and community impact. The company will deploy advanced 4D planning and digital construction techniques to optimise sequencing, improve efficiency and minimise disruption in the busy city centre.
In line with its commitment to social value and skills development in Scotland, Balfour Beatty will create at least five new apprenticeships during the project. It will also support ongoing Modern Apprenticeships (SVQs) and collaborate with local SMEs through a comprehensive supply chain engagement programme. These measures aim to strengthen regional economic growth while nurturing Scotland’s next generation of construction professionals.
A world-class venue for Edinburgh’s cultural future
Once completed, the Dunard Centre will provide a permanent home for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and serve as a major new venue for the Edinburgh International Festival, attracting an estimated 200,000 visitors annually. Beyond its architectural and acoustic sophistication, the venue will play a central role in expanding access to music and the performing arts, further enriching Scotland’s cultural landscape.
Nick Rowan, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, commented: “We are proud to be entrusted with delivering what will become a nationally significant cultural venue in the heart of Edinburgh. We have worked meticulously to plan every stage of this complex build, from construction logistics on a constrained site to achieving world-class acoustic performance. Our focus now is on safe, efficient and high-quality delivery, working closely with our local supply chain while creating meaningful jobs, apprenticeships and skills opportunities throughout the programme.”
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