Former cinema set to win a new lease of life

A FORMER cinema in Tranent is set to be transformed into a state-of-the-art auditorium, learning centre and cafe under ambitious plans.

A community trust is to be established to develop the Fraser Centre in Winton Place into a facility offering arts and entertainment, including films, theatre productions and live music.

It would also serve as a base for adult learning workshops and other community activities.

The three-storey building was formerly the Winton Cinema from 1921 until it closed down in 1972.

Since then it has been used for Sunday morning services by the Fraser Christian Centre church, and Jonathan Russell, son of the FCC minister the rev Richard Russell, said: “We’ve been hearing all this discussion about how to regenerate Tranent town centre – well the Fraser Centre is smack bang in the middle of Tranent.”