Latest news with #CollectiveArchitecture
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Major regeneration plans unveiled for Kirkcaldy
The appointment follows the council's recent decision to demolish the town's two multi-storey car parks and aligns with the UK Government's Growth Mission Fund, which has identified Kirkcaldy as a priority location for strategic investment. The masterplan team will work closely with the council, local partners, and the wider community to shape a forward-looking vision and delivery strategy. READ MORE: The project will include a series of engagement activities to ensure that residents, businesses, and community groups have a meaningful voice in shaping the town's future, the council said. Councillor Altany Craik, Spokesperson for Finance, Economy and Strategic Planning, said: 'This is a pivotal moment for Kirkcaldy. With the expertise of Collective Architecture and Montagu Evans, we are committed to delivering a masterplan that reflects the ambitions of our community and creates real, lasting change. Councillor Ian Cameron, Convener of the Kirkcaldy Area Committee, added: 'We want to hear from as many people as possible as we shape this exciting new chapter for the town.' Further updates on the project and opportunities to get involved will be shared in the coming weeks.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Plans submitted for £69 million renovation of iconic Edinburgh 'Banana Flats' blocks in Leith
The City of Edinburgh Council's retrofit project has taken a major step forward this month with the submission of a planning application by Collective Architecture. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Built in the 1960s and now designated as Category A listed buildings, Cables Wynd House and Linksview House collectively provide 310 homes, the majority of which are owned by the Council for social rent. Under the plans, the iconic 'Banana Flats' as they are known by locals would see a £69 million investment to make the homes safer and more energy efficient. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad These landmark buildings have served generations of residents, and this project represents a significant investment in securing their future as safe, high-quality homes. The proposed works are being driven by the need to meet the Scottish Government's Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing – EESSH2. Achieving compliance will require substantial upgrades to both the building fabric and mechanical systems. Alongside this, the council has identified the opportunity to deliver wider improvements that will bring the buildings in line with modern new-build standards. An artist's impression of Linksview House after the retrofit works. | City of Edinburgh Council Key elements of the proposal include: Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Improved insulation, window replacements, and energy-efficient heating systems to meet EESSH2 standards. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad - Fire Safety Enhancements: Installation of sprinkler systems, smoke ventilation, a new fire-fighting lift, and improved fire compartmentalisation in communal areas. The removal of legacy bin chutes and inclusion of internal waste management facilities will also contribute to enhanced fire safety. - Resident Safety and Security: Upgraded internal and external lighting, a comprehensive review of CCTV systems, and improved access control throughout the buildings. - Landscape and Placemaking Improvements: The refurbishment project presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the outdoor environment surrounding both towers. Proposals include new play areas, external seating, wildflower meadows, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), and a full review of parking and waste facilities. Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: 'I am delighted that the proposals for the council's £69 million investment in Cables Wynd House and Linksview House have now been submitted to the CEC Planning Service, setting out our plans to make our residents' homes safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents have long campaigned for this much needed and substantive investment in their homes to happen. Their influence and input into our consultation sessions have shaped these proposals and is hugely valued. 'I look forward to continuing this positive engagement with Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents and Leith Ward councillors as the project progresses.' How Cables Wynd House will look after the works are carried out in Leith. | City of Edinburgh Council Carl Baker, architect and certified Passivhaus designer for Collective Architecture, said: 'Collective Architecture is proud to be working with The City of Edinburgh Council on the retrofit of Cables Wynd House and Linksview House. Our proposals place residents at the heart of the process, aiming to provide greener, warmer homes, while celebrating and sensitively enhancing the unique character of the Category A listed buildings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'As part of a just transition, our carefully considered interventions will improve the thermal and environmental performance of the iconic structures - boosting energy efficiency and alleviating the risk of fuel poverty. 'As with many of our projects, meaningful resident engagement has been central to the design process and will remain a key focus through the final design stage and into construction.' Subject to planning approval, the council says it will continue to engage closely with residents throughout the design and construction process, ensuring their needs remain at the heart of the project.
Glasgow Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow company CCG named Homebuilder of the Year 2025
CCG, based in Glasgow, won both the Homebuilder of the Year (Affordable Housing Provider) and Affordable Housing Development of the Year (Medium) at the Homes for Scotland Awards 2025. The second award was for the Water Row development in partnership with Govan Housing Group. Read more: Event to explore the history of one of Scotland's largest steelworks CCG has a significant focus on affordable housebuilding, with 1,200 affordable homes currently being constructed across the Central Belt. The company, which employs more than 630 staff members, including 48 apprentices, aims to foster quality, innovation, and social impact in delivering affordable homes. An important component of their strategy is the use of advanced construction methods and low-carbon technologies to address housing needs, combat fuel poverty, and help Scotland achieve net zero. David Wylie, managing director of CCG, said: "Being named Homebuilder of the Year is a tremendous honour and a testament to the dedication and talent of our 630-strong team. "What's particularly heartening is the strength of our culture being embraced across the company - especially by the growing number of younger colleagues, who are already becoming the backbone of our future. "Our people, along with our much-valued clients and delivery partners, have shown incredible resilience through a challenging year for the sector, with public sector budget cuts and inflationary pressures making it increasingly difficult to keep affordable homes affordable. "However, through close collaboration with our clients and early-stage contractor involvement, we've been able to better control costs and mitigate external risks - proving that this model delivers results. 'More clients are placing their trust in CCG to lead projects from the outset, and while we know more must be done to address the housing emergency, we're confident that we're on the right path – powered by the commitment and passion of our people.' The Water Row development, which earned CCG its second award, was completed in May 2024. It features 92 mid-market rental homes and 6 community-focused commercial spaces. Read more: Global firm promotes number of Glasgow staff to partner level The Water Row development (Image: Supplied) The Water Row development (Image: Supplied) Designed by Collective Architecture and constructed with CCG's innovative 'iQ' Timber System, the project is a benchmark for sustainability in urban regeneration, achieving EPC A ratings through a non-gas energy strategy. The project occupies a key site along the River Clyde, adjacent to the Govan-Partick bridge. David said: "Water Row has not only delivered much-needed, energy-efficient housing in Govan but has also helped reconnect communities, support local enterprise and leave a lasting legacy of regeneration. "The award is a reflection of partnership working and CCG's deep commitment to delivering better homes, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future for Scotland."
The Herald Scotland
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Restoration planned for only farm built by Robert Burns
Dating back to 1788 and built by Burns himself, the farmstead is recognised as a site of exceptional historic and cultural importance. It was built as a family home for his wife, Jean Armour, on the banks of the River Nith, and was acquired by the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust in 2020. Read More: The trust quickly identified a number of repairs which are needed to preserve the farmstead, and a conservation architect-led design team has been appointed following a tendering process. Collective Architecture, an award-winning and 100 percent employee-owned practice with studios in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee will adapt and conserve the historic buildings, as part of the Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne project, which is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise, Museums Galleries Scotland, and The Holywood Trust. Led by Emma Fairhurst and Gerry Hogan of Collective Architecture, the team will develop proposals to reverse historic damage to the 18th-century buildings, provide a safe home for the museum collection, and sensitively adapt certain structures to serve as event and education spaces. The brief also includes creating visitor accommodation on what Burns called 'Sweet Poetic Ground,' with the aim of hosting creative retreats and workshops so that future generations of artists can also 'see nature through the poet's eyes'. The cottage that Burns built for his wife will be restored as closely as possible to its original 1788 condition. Modern alterations will be removed to create an immersive historical experience for visitors. Joan McAlpine, Project Director of Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne, said: 'The Trust was impressed by Collective's collaborative approach and their outstanding track record in conservation-led adaptive reuse. "We particularly admired their work on other A-listed sites such as the restoration of the Calton Hill Observatory in Edinburgh and the James Watt Institute in Greenock. Both projects involved the sensitive adaptation of heritage buildings housing important collections. "Now that we are focused on delivering our vision using the A listed farm buildings, Collective's expertise made them our first choice.' Emma Fairhurst of Collective Architecture said: 'It is a privilege to be appointed to lead the design team for Ellisland Farm, a site of deep historical and cultural value. "We look forward to working closely with The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust to restore and enhance this remarkable place, ensuring its legacy is preserved and celebrated for generations to come."
The National
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Robert Burns historic home to be saved as architect firm appointed
The award-winning firm Collective Architecture has been appointed to develop plans to save the A-listed building by the charity responsible for safeguarding Ellisland Farm and Museum near Dumfries. Built in 1788, the farmstead is recognised as a site of exceptional historic and cultural importance as it is where Burns wrote a third of his creative output, including famous works such as Auld Lang Syne and Tam o' Shanter. Earlier plans for a new-built visitor centre on the site have been scaled back to focus solely on adapting and conserving the historic buildings, which several reports have assessed as being 'at-risk'. READ MORE: Scotland's first ever children's hospice announces major £17 million revamp Led by Emma Fairhurst and Gerry Hogan of Collective Architecture, the team will develop proposals to reverse historic damage to the 18th-century buildings, provide a safe home for the museum collection, and adapt certain structures to serve as event and education spaces. Fairhurst welcomed the announcement, stating that Collective Architecture aims to ensure the legacy of the building is preserved. She said: 'It is a privilege to be appointed to lead the design team for Ellisland Farm, a site of deep historical and cultural value. 'We look forward to working closely with The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust to restore and enhance this remarkable place, ensuring its legacy is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.' The cottage that Burns built for his wife, Jean Armour, will also be restored as closely as possible to its original 1788 condition. Modern alterations will be removed to create an 'immersive historical experience' for visitors while a visitor accommodation will also be included in the plans to revamp the farm aiming to give people the chance to host creative retreats and workshops so that future generations of artists can also 'see nature through the poet's eyes'. The design work is part of the Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne project, which is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise, Museums Galleries Scotland, and The Holywood Trust. Joan McAlpine, project director of Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne, said: 'The Trust was impressed by Collective's collaborative approach and their outstanding track record in conservation-led adaptive reuse. 'We particularly admired their work on other A-listed sites such as the restoration of the Calton Hill Observatory in Edinburgh and the James Watt Institute in Greenock. 'Both projects involved the sensitive adaptation of heritage buildings housing important collections. 'Now that we are focused on delivering our vision using the A-listed farm buildings, Collective's expertise made them our first choice.' (Image: Wimbledon Auctions/PA Wire) Collective Architecture, which owns studios in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee, is one of several consultants appointed to the Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne project. Peebles-based Abound will develop an interpretation plan for the site, while Rob Robinson Heritage will produce a revised business plan. In addition, Peter Thierfeldt, whose previous experience includes The Willow Tea Rooms, The Citizens Theatre, and Pitlochry Festival Theatre, has been appointed Director of Development to lead a major international fundraising campaign. The development stage of Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne is projected to cost more than £900,000 and could unlock more than £1.2 million from the Heritage Fund to help deliver the completed project.
