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:

• Email: music.hub@bathgateband.org.uk
• Website: https://bathgatemusichub.org.uk

Thank you for taking the time to read this update.

As we move toward the next stage of the Community Asset Transfer process later this month, we wanted to take a moment to look back at what’s been achieved together so far.

The Bathgate Music Hub vision has always been shaped by you, the parents, carers, musicians, young people, community groups and local residents who spoke up for a dedicated home for music in Bathgate.

Here’s a quick recap of how far we’ve come:
🎵 Hundreds of local people took part in the consultation, showing clear and heartfelt support for a permanent space for music, learning and community activity.
🎺 Bathgate Band, Boghall & Bathgate Pipe Band, and Bathgate Concert Orchestra, all proudly carrying the town’s name, are still rehearsing outside Bathgate, highlighting the real need for a home within the community.
❤️ Our Community Benefits Report demonstrates more than £1.5m of social value in the first year, supporting wellbeing, inclusion, skills, confidence and community connection.
🤝 New partnerships are developing to bring accredited learning, outreach and community programmes into a space designed for everyone.
🌱 Throughout the whole journey, one message has come through again and again: Bathgate deserves a place where music can thrive.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the vision, your voices continue to shape the proposal and drive the momentum behind it.

We’ll share further updates later in February as things progress.

We’re pleased to share that West Lothian Council has now scheduled the next stage of the Community Asset Transfer process for the Music Hub, which is expected to take place in late February. This is an important milestone, giving us the opportunity to present the community’s vision for a dedicated space that supports learning, wellbeing, creativity, and inclusion right here in Bathgate.

The support we’ve received so far, from families, local organisations, musicians, and partners, has been incredible. Every message, share, and conversation helps strengthen the case for a permanent home where people of all ages can make music, grow in confidence, and find a sense of belonging.

We’re continuing to work hard behind the scenes to make sure the voices of our community are heard throughout this process. Thank you to everyone championing this project. Your backing really does make all the difference.

More updates coming soon!

Best regards,
The Bathgate Music Hub Project Team

To the Bathgate Community,

As we reach the end of 2025, we want to thank everyone who has shared their thoughts and support for the Bathgate Music Hub concept so far.

This year has been about laying the groundwork, listening to your ideas and building the case for a dedicated music and education space in the heart of our town. While the Hub remains in the planning and concept stages, the feedback we have received from the community is vital to turning this vision into a reality.

We believe 2026 could be the year Bathgate secures a permanent musical home. We look forward to continuing this journey with the community and the Council in the months ahead.

𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿.

Best regards,
The Bathgate Music Hub Project Team