A RANGE of measures should improve the Burgh Hall acoustics which resulted in “reverberation” after the suspended ceiling was removed earlier this year.

Recently, new stage curtains have been installed.

And already there is an improvement in the sound quality, Chambers Institution Trust member Sam Coe told a meeting of Peebles Community Council this month.

Mr Coe said: “The acoustic consultant, Mark Neill, has completed his testing and report, which recommends that, in addition to the new stage curtains and the matching side window curtains that are also proposed, the fitting of a calculated area of acoustic panels to the walls should bring the reverberation down to a more acceptable level.

“The trustees have agreed to proceed with the fitting of the side window curtains and acoustic panels, which has been approved by the council’s heritage officer, and the work is expected to proceed in January, to be co-ordinated with hall users as required.”

Mr Coe commended the news, reported in the Peeblesshire News last month, of the £4.1 million UK Government levelling up money awarded to the Chambers Institution project.

Mr Coe said: “The funding has been reserved but has yet to be finalised, pending confirmation from the partnership that the constituent projects are still valid and deliverable, and the money can be spent by the end of March 2026.

“Measured survey quotes, for the whole of the Chambers Institution and Burgh Hall complex have been obtained, and a building condition survey is to be obtained, in preparation for the next stage of design development work.

“The trustees are working closely with council officials to progress the necessary detailed supporting information.

“It has been agreed that Tweeddale East councillors Robin Tatler, Julie Pirone and myself will be part of the project team.

“It has also been agreed that fundraising consultant, Jason Dyer, who has directed successful fundraising strategies for the Trimontium Museum and the Abbotsford Trust in Melrose, amongst others, should be appointed to assist in this, with further possible future involvement to be confirmed.

“The scope of the funding aligns with the feasibility study that was presented in public consultations in November 2022, the main focus of which is improvements to accessibility including the installation of a new lift and alterations to create a new main entrance from the High Street.

“A meeting with Chambers Institution tenants will discuss continued access to facilities when the works are due to start on site.”