The building was originally the council chambers for Penicuik Land Ward. It still has the original fireplace and is a landmark building in Penicuik.
Unfortunately it is very costly to maintain and over the years the Association has faced substantial repair bills. Now the Penicuik Heritage Regeneration Project building works are completed, the committee will undertake fundraising and grant applications for internal repair and decoration.
Hopefully, our lovely Arts Centre building will stay sound and safe for some years to come.
Arts Centre Building works
After more than two years of uncertainty and waiting, Penicuik Heritage Regeneration Project repair works on our Arts Centre building has started. Scaffolding went up in the middle of September and work will continue until Spring 2023 (probably).
The café and the café-gallery exhibition will remain open during the works.
We regret that due to falling dust and small debris from the ceiling above the events stairs during the current building works, we have had to cover the stairlift track mechanism to avoid damage and breakdowns during its use. So the stairlift is not available for a wee while. We apologise to our valued visitors who rely on the stairlift to attend functions upstairs, and will let you know as soon as it’s available to use again.
In addition, the toilet up the stairs from the café is out of use for the foreseeable future due to serious roof leak damage to the ceiling. There is another toilet up the “events” stairs.
It seems that the large room 1 upstairs will continue to be available for the duration of the works.
Room 2, the small room next door, will be closed off for a period of time. This stops access to room 1 via the cafe stairs.
In addition – the events room stairs *may* be closed off for a short period of time.
The impact on the use of Room 1 is that there is a good chance there will be no interruption, but in the worst case scenario, activities in room 1 will be stopped for 2 or 3 weeks.
We will have more information at the end of September and will keep you informed as soon as we hear further news.
Thanks for your understanding, patience and continued support.
PCAA Committee
Donations
If you like what you have read about us and would like to contribute to the Association you can make a donation to help us maintain our building by clicking HERE (link to donations product)