Bathgate Music Hub

Bathgate Band would like to share an update with local residents on the current position regarding plans for the proposed Bathgate Music Hub.

We believe it is important to keep our community informed as the project progresses and to explain clearly where we are in the process.

What is Bathgate Music Hub?

Bathgate Music Hub is a Bathgate Band led project to establish a permanent home for the band within the town.

At its heart, the Hub will:

Provide a long‑term home for Bathgate Band, including rehearsal space, storage, and administration
Support the band’s youth development, education, and outreach work
Open its doors to other community groups whose aims align with Bathgate Band’s community and educational aspirations, using music as a vehicle for delivery

The Music Hub is intended to operate as a managed, music‑focused community asset, with Bathgate Band as the lead organisation, ensuring activities are purposeful, well run, and of benefit to the wider community.

Bathgate Band has been part of Bathgate’s cultural life for generations but does not currently have a permanent base in the town. The Music Hub aims to address that long‑standing issue while enabling carefully aligned community use.

Where are we in the process?

We are now at an important but measured stage in the project:

West Lothian Council has approved Bathgate Band’s Community Asset Transfer application, confirming support for the proposal.
Our legal team is working with the WLC to agree the detailed terms of the lease. This work must be completed before any formal handover can take place.
We have a national construction partner in place to support internal refurbishment design and planning, ensuring the building can be brought back into use safely and appropriately.
It is our aspiration to involve the local community, where suitable, in refurbishment and improvement works, helping to foster local involvement, skills, and a sense of shared ownership.

No physical works will begin until all legal, safety, and compliance requirements are fully in place.

Consideration for Local Residents

We recognise that residents may have questions as plans develop, particularly around building use, activity levels, and refurbishment works.

Please be assured that:

The building will be well managed and used for appropriate, agreed purposes
Respect for neighbours and the surrounding area is a key priority
Residents’ views are important and will help shape how the Music Hub operates as the project progresses

How the Hub will operate

Bathgate Music Hub will operate as a managed and organised space, with clear oversight of how and when it is used.

Bathgate Band will be responsible for:

Coordinating use of the building
Managing bookings and activities
Ensuring appropriate supervision & safeguarding arrangements are in place
Maintaining the building to a high standard

Activities within the Hub will be planned and structured, with a focus on rehearsals, education, and small‑scale community use aligned to the aims of the project.

This approach will ensure that the building remains:

Well run and secure
Respectful of its surroundings
A positive and reliable part of the local area

Supporting the Project

As we move towards the next stage, we are keen for Bathgate Music Hub to be shaped with the community as well as for it.

We are inviting those who wish to do so to register their support for the project, particularly as we prepare for the mobilisation and refurbishment phase.

This may include:

Local trades and skilled professionals
Volunteers able to assist with practical works
Individuals willing to offer time, skills, or support

This is simply an expression of interest. There is no obligation, but it helps us understand what support exists within the local community.

We would also greatly appreciate the support of local residents in helping to look after the building during this period. While the facility is not yet in active use, keeping it secure and well cared for is an important part of protecting it for future community benefit.

If you notice any unusual activity, damage, or hear the building alarm sounding, we kindly ask that you report this to Police Scotland on 101 when it is safe to do so.

Register your interest: music.hub@bathgateband.org.uk

We are grateful for any level of support, and equally value residents simply staying informed as the project develops.

What this means for Bathgate

Bathgate Music Hub represents an opportunity to make better use of an existing community asset while supporting positive, local activity.

It will:

Bring these activities back into the heart of the community
Expand access to music for young people and adults
Strengthen links with schools, community groups, and local organisations
Create a positive, well-used space that contributes to community wellbeing

Our aim is not simply to use the building, but to create something lasting that adds value to Bathgate.

Looking ahead

While there is still work to be done before the building can be brought fully into use, the progress made so far gives us a strong foundation to move forward.

The next phase of the project will focus on:

Finalising legal agreements with West Lothian Council
Developing detailed plans for the building’s refurbishment
Ensuring the space is safe, compliant, and suitable for its intended use
Beginning to plan how activity will be introduced in a managed and phased way

We are committed to taking a measured and responsible approach, ensuring that each stage is completed properly before moving to the next.

As plans develop, we will continue to:

Keep residents informed
Listen to feedback
Ensure that the project reflects the needs of both users and neighbours

Keeping in touch

This update forms part of our commitment to keep local residents informed as the project moves forward. Further updates will be shared as key milestones are reached.

We are keen to maintain an open and transparent dialogue with the community and will continue to provide information as plans develop.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact: