Three developments in Irvine Bay gain national recognition
Three developments in Irvine Bay have been nominated for prestigious awards.
The Bridgegate town centre public realm works and Bridgegate House in Irvine have been shortlisted as finalists in the Scottish Property Awards 2014, as has The Playz in Kilwinning.
Bridgegate town centre public realm has been led by Irvine Bay, working in partnership with North Ayrshire Council, and Bridgegate House has been led by the Council. The Playz project saw Irvine Bay work in partnership with Pennyburn Regeneration Youth Development Enterprise to create a community hub.
Bridgegate town centre works has been shortlisted in the Town Centre Regeneration Project of the Year; Bridgegate House in the Architectural Excellence (Public Buildings) category; and The Playz in Community Partnership of the Year.
Other finalist for the awards include the SSE Hydro, the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village and Dundee Waterfront.
The winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony in Edinburgh on the 27th February 2014.
Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, said: “It is a terrific tribute to the quality of all of the design and construction being carried out by Irvine Bay, our partners North Ayrshire Council, and our architects and other suppliers that our projects have already gained this recognition.”
Alasdair Humphery, Chair of the Scottish Property Federation and judge of the awards commented: “The judging process brought to light the outstanding quality of work creating commercial and public property in Scotland. Many of the entries were equally impressive, making for rigorous debate and some tough decisions. However, the judges concluded reflecting on the hugely positive developments in property going on across the nation which is very encouraging for our industry.”
Councillor Marie Burns, North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, welcomed the news. She said: “Reaching the finals of the Scottish Property Awards competition on three counts shows that partnership working can achieve results.
“The extensive improvements at Bridgegate will complement the other work being carried out by the Council to bring Irvine town centre back to life.
“I would also like to say ‘well done’ to the team behind The Playz Project in Kilwinning. This is a great example of what people can do for their community if they are given the proper support and encouragement.”
Fiona McNeill, lead architect with Ian Springford Architects, who were responsible for the design of Bridgegate House said: “It’s fantastic to see the refurbishment of Bridgegate House nominated against high profile property developments in Scotland. Less than two years ago it was a neglected 70’s office block on the edge of a conservation area and the critical challenge was not only to create an innovative design that would blend well with the new urban realm but to assist North Ayrshire Council to meet their aspirations to streamline the operational efficiency of their front of house services, improve their carbon ratings and create a new public image with the addition of a Customer Services Centre.
Theresa Potter, The Playz Project Manager, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted in this category. Our new development has enable us to enhance services to disadvantaged communities and it is terrific to see this work being recognised nationally. We believe that the partnership with Irvine Bay has and will continue to physically, economically, environmentally and socially regenerate the Pennyburn and the wider Kilwinning area.”