Lanthorn Centre - information hub

Latest update on Lanthorn Centre temporary closure 

Introduction

West Lothian Council has agreed a budget of over £3million to repair the roof deck at The Lanthorn Centre, Livingston.

The Lanthorn Centre closed in April and is anticipated to remain shut for a period of two years after significant structural issues were identified within the roof structure of the building.

The council will remove and replace the existing roof deck at The Lanthorn Centre and Chapel Annexe.

Works started on site in early spring 2022 and works will last approximately fourteen months. It is hoped that the project will be complete by May 2023.

A period of remobilisation will then be carried out before the building can fully reopen in the summer of 2023.

Extensive engagement has been undertaken by council officers, the Lanthorn Centre Education Association (LCEA) and the Trustees to ensure that all user groups and the public are aware of the circumstances around the closure of the building.

Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: "I'd like to thank the efforts of staff, Trustees and the LCEA who have helped ensure that the majority of groups who used The Lanthorn Centre have now found alternative, suitable accommodation. Work will continue to ensure that the council works closely with local groups and provides necessary updates throughout the construction and remobilisation phase.

"We would obviously not have chosen to find ourselves in this position. This is a significant amount of money being spent on the repair of the roof but we can assure building users and local people that we are investing in The Lanthorn Centre to ensure it continues to be a fantastic local community facility."

Latest Update - Lanthorn Centre work progressing - 15 Novemer 2022

Work to repair and re-open the Lanthorn Centre in Livingston is progressing.

The Lanthorn Centre was closed in April 2021 due to issues identified with the roof structure. The works for the asbestos removal that started in the spring is now complete and the main construction contract awarded.  Construction is due to commence on site late November and anticipated to complete in the late Autumn of 2023, with works consisting of the replacement of the roof deck to the Lanthorn Centre and Chapel Annexe, new internal finishes and fittings.  The project remains within budget and is expected to cost in the region of £3 million. 

Extensive engagement has been undertaken by council officers, the Lanthorn Centre Education Association (LCEA) and the Trustees to ensure that all user groups and the public are aware of the circumstances around the closure of the building and where required, groups were found alternative accommodation.

Donald Forrest, the council's Head of Finance and Property Services said: "We are pleased with the progress to date. We have completed the tender process and the contractor has been appointed.

"We will continue to ensure that the council works closely with local groups and members, with regular updates provided throughout the construction and remobilisation phases.

"Due to this unavoidable situation, a significant amount of money is required to be spent on the repair of the roof but we can assure building users and local people that we are investing in The Lanthorn Centre to ensure that it continues to be a fantastic local community facility for many years to come."

Contact information

A dedicated email address - Lanthorn@westlothian.gov.uk  - has also been established should interested groups/individuals have specific questions at any time.

LCEA Management Committee are also available to help provide advice and guidance by contacting john.lanthorn77@gmail.com (opens new window) , donna.lanthorn77@hotmail.com (opens new window)  or karyn.lanthorn77@hotmail.com (opens new window)

To view updates from the Lanthorn Community Education Association, please visit their Facebook page (opens new window).

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