Dunard Centre

IMPACT Scotland is the charitable organisation responsible for overseeing the creation and running of the Dunard Centre, Edinburgh’s first purpose-built concert hall for more than a century. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects and Nagata Acoustics, this all-purpose performance venue will have at its heart a world-class auditorium that champions the very best in live performance across all genres, and ensures everyone can be part of it. Our ambition is to create an open and welcoming space for life-enhancing and life-changing experiences, crossing generations and communities. This landmark building will become home to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Edinburgh International Festival; it will be a vibrant, creative hub that teems with life all day, matching the vibrancy and diversity of three weeks in August in a year-round offer. Designed to slot into a bustling city centre site fringed by heritage buildings, its 1000-seat auditorium, bars, workshop rooms and recording facilities will host a diverse programme that combines classical, pop, rock, folk, jazz, spoken word and electronica. Its innovative and wide-reaching community engagement programme will connect artists, audiences and communities in year-round opportunities for lifelong learning. The Dunard Centre benefits from the generous support of the Dunard Fund — a long-term funder of the arts and music in Scotland — and is the cultural centrepiece of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, a transformative partnership between the UK and Scottish Governments and City of Edinburgh Council. Through the support of Royal Bank of Scotland, the Dunard Centre will be built in the heart of Edinburgh, behind and directly connected to the Bank’s historic registered office at 36 St Andrew Square. Enabling works to on site are nearing completion and IMPACT Scotland is now preparing for the Dunard Centre’s four-year main construction period.