Another significant construction milestone reached at Dunard Centre

Another major construction milestone at Dunard Centre was reached this October, as work on the excavation of the 10-metre-deep basement was completed.

This marks the end of one of the most complex phases of the project, revealing the scale and outline of what will be Edinburgh’s first purpose-built concert hall in over 100 years.  

Temporary props supporting the basement walls are now in place, while concrete works are progressing to form the ground and lower basement levels. The basement will house essential operational infrastructure, alongside dressing rooms, a lower ground floor bar and a range of backstage and support facilities that will help bring the future venue to life.

The next phase of construction will see the installation of the building’s structural cores, which will house staircases and service shafts while providing critical support for the structure above. Steelwork is expected to begin at the start of 2027, marking the next visible stage as the venue begins to rise from the ground. 

Works remain on schedule, with the Dunard Centre expected to be completed in 2029.  

Alongside progress on site, Balfour Beatty’s extensive social impact programme continues at pace. Recent initiatives have included working with Scottish Pathways to Construction to create opportunities for young people to gain experience in the industry, sponsoring grassroots musical talent through the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Community Stage, and welcoming Social Impact Placement students onto the project. 

These activities complement the wider vision to maximise opportunities for education, skills development, community engagement and local economic growth throughout both the construction phase and the venue’s future operation.