Danger of rotting wood falling from 'temporary' Edinburgh Playhouse structure, planning bid reveals

Developers have sought permission to demolish an ageing structure on the side of Edinburgh Playhouse.

The 'scene dock structure' was built as a temporary measure in the 1980s but still exists today to allow backstage access to the Playhouse.

An inspection of the scaffolding found falling wood which had rotted away as well as rusting scaffolding which posed a risk to people walking nearby.

Approval is required because of the size of the project and the building's listed status, the application to Edinburgh City Council says.

"The scene dock was originally built in the 1980’s as a temporary structure comprised of complex scaffolding. The structure itself is attached to the main Playhouse Theatre building and is accessed externally via two large double fire doors from a loading bay area within Greenside Place.

"The scene dock is an essential element of the Theatre back of house operation and allows the historic theatre to function effectively in the context of current operational requirements.

The owners of the Playhouse want to demolish the huge structure (Edinburgh Planning Portal)

Over its lifetime the scene dock has been utilised in various ways, however its condition has deteriorated significantly as a result of water damage, corrosion and rot," the application says.

A temporary cover-up would be put in place, but Ambassador Theatre Group say they would intend to install a like-for-like replacement as soon as possible.

They added: "To inform the design of the replacement scene dock, the existing scene dock structure must be demolished to allow for site investigation works to be carried out.

It was built in the 1980s as a "temporary measure" (Edinburgh Planning Portal)

"Following the conclusion of the site investigation works, further applications for planning permission and listed building consent will be submitted."

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If approved, the owners would demolish the structure before replacing it as soon as possible (Edinburgh Planning Portal)

Built in 1929, the Playhouse Theatre is located on Greenside Place but has been shuttered for much of the coronavirus crisis.

With a capacity of over 3,000, it is the largest non-sporting theatre in the whole of the UK, regularly hosting performances including Aladdin in recent years.

The theatre is also one of the city's biggest venues during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.