Provision of a new village square and associated public realm.
Part of a Townscape Heritage Initiative to regenerate a row of listed properties at The Cross, in the traditional town centre of Beith, Ayrshire. The site was also bounded by the Kirk Yard, whose Church is also a Listed Building.
Working with Robert Potter and Partners, Chartered Architects, HLA’s design solution involved the creation of a new civic space to act as a focal point for the town, whilst managing the changes in level necessary to facilitate access to the buildings and shops at ground level and the wider public domain at a higher level beyond. Sophisticated detailing was used to merge level changes and facilitate unimpeded access throughout.
The project received several awards; the Glasgow Institute of Architects Design Commendation 2004; the RICS Scotland Regeneration Award 2005 and the British Urban Regeneration Award for the Best Practice in Regeneration in 2005.
The multi-agency client body included Historic Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, Communities Scotland, Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire, North Ayrshire Council, St Vincent Crescent Preservation Trust and Beith Community Council.
