The cost of Edinburgh's first new concert hall in a century has more than tripled from its original estimate, now reaching £162 million ($162 million), with the opening pushed back to 2029. The project, designed by renowned architect David Chipperfield, received planning approval in 2021 but has faced significant delays and budget overruns that highlight the challenges of major cultural infrastructure projects.
The International Music and Performing Arts Charitable Trust Scotland (Impact), the charity leading the project, announced on October 24 that construction contractor Balfour Beatty will now build the facility. This change came after the original preconstruction contractor Sir Robert McAlpine was removed from the project earlier this year, contributing to the timeline delays.
The dramatic cost increases have plagued the project since its inception. Initial estimates in 2019 placed the project at £45 million, which rose to £75 million in 2021 when plans were scaled back to secure planning approval. By the end of 2023, costs had climbed to £114 million before reaching the current £162 million figure – representing more than a 260% increase from the original budget.
To keep the ambitious project moving forward, the Scottish Government has provided an additional £20 million in funding. This government contribution was matched by philanthropist Carol Colburn Grigor, a former concert pianist who has been a major supporter of the arts center. The funding boost demonstrates the high-level commitment to completing what officials see as a transformative cultural facility for Scotland.
The Dunard Centre, as the facility will be known, is part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, through which both the Scottish and UK governments have already committed £10 million each. The City of Edinburgh Council has contributed £5 million to the project, while Impact has successfully raised an impressive £100 million from private donors – described as a record level of philanthropic support for Scotland.
David Chipperfield won the prestigious commission through an international competition in 2017, beating out notable competitors including Adjaye Associates, Allies and Morrison, Richard Murphy Architects, Canadian practice KPMB Architects, and Swiss firm Barozzi Veiga. Chipperfield is collaborating with executive architect Reiach and Hall on the detailed design and construction phases.
The City of Edinburgh Council approved the final design in November 2021, but not without controversy. The approval came after amendments that reduced the building's height by 7 meters (23 feet) following a legal challenge from Nuveen Real Estate, the developer behind the neighboring 80,000 square meter St James shopping center. This legal dispute highlighted the complex urban planning challenges in Edinburgh's dense historic city center.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney expressed strong support for the project, stating: "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." His endorsement underscores the project's perceived importance to Scotland's cultural landscape.
Dunard Centre Chief Executive Jo Buckley described the signing of the construction contract as "a huge milestone" and thanked private supporters for their record-breaking philanthropic contributions. She emphasized the broader community impact, saying: "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."
Buckley further highlighted the facility's community focus, describing it as "a living, breathing community center with a concert hall at its heart." She predicted that "the benefits of this landmark investment will be felt daily by countless individuals and communities for generations to come." Economic assessments support these optimistic projections, showing that the venue is expected to generate £266.9 million in gross value added over its construction period and first 20 years of operation.
The architectural design addresses the challenges of building on a tightly constrained city center site while creating world-class performance facilities. The center will feature a 1,000-seat auditorium designed for optimal acoustics, along with a café, bar, and multifunctional spaces for various events and community activities. The technical requirements include a complex in-situ concrete double basement that will house performer changing rooms, storage areas, and essential back-of-house facilities.
Special attention has been paid to acoustic design, with internal finishes including bespoke solid oak paneling throughout the main hall to enhance sound quality. These details reflect Chipperfield's reputation for combining architectural excellence with functional performance requirements. Beyond its cultural mission, Impact emphasized that the project will significantly increase public access to the arts while opening up new pedestrian pathways in Edinburgh's historic New Town district.
Construction work is scheduled to begin within weeks of the contract signing, with completion targeted for 2029. The five-year construction timeline reflects both the complexity of the build and the constraints of working in Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage city center. Once complete, the Dunard Centre will serve as the new home for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and host international performers, potentially transforming Edinburgh's position in the global classical music scene.
