It does depend on the status of the existing building. If it’s built with materials that are dangerous or reached end of life (like RAAC aerated concrete used for The Brunton Theatre) then it could make sense to demolish them. Also buildings need regular maintenance so if they fall into a state of disrepair such no-one is ever likely to buy/use them then it’s probably inevitable they will get demolished. But in general, it is far better to refurbish an existing building than demolish and rebuild due to significant level of embodied carbon in new building materials. Hence I welcome new plans to refurbish (rather than demolish) the former Golf Hotel https://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/26024761.caledonian-heritable-keen-turn-historic-building-apart-hotel/

Looks like we’ll be here until 3pm ish…maybe 4pm ish! Team of 2 so probably take most of day… no worries if you can’t, it’s working hours I appreciate!

Love these BEFORE and AFTER images and wow, what a change… small town urban growth!