Town hall restoration project wins national award

A Scottish town hall has won a prestigious award following its restoration, rejuvenation and extension.

The B-listed Kirkintilloch Town Hall building was crowned Town Centre Regeneration Project of the Year in the 2018 Scottish Property Awards.

East Dunbartonshire Council worked with East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust and development partner hub West Scotland, who managed the project and appointed the contractor and design team: Central Building Contractors; Michael Laird Architects; Doig + Smith, quantity surveyors; Struer and David Narro, structural engineers; and Hawthorne Boyle, mechanical engineers.

The town hall was also a finalist in the Architectural Excellence (Public Use) category, as well as the RICS Awards 2018, Scotland (for Regeneration).

Joint council leader, Councillor Andrew Polson, said: ‘I am delighted that Kirkintilloch Town Hall was judged to be Town Centre Regeneration Project of the Year at the Scottish Property Awards.

‘The new building has been rejuvenated into a leading centre for heritage, arts, culture and community use.’

Kirkintilloch Town Hall’s revamped interior

Joint council Leader, Councillor Vaughan Moody, agreed: ‘Congratulations to everyone involved – both within the council and our partners in this ambitious project. It’s a new era for the town hall, which offers a modern space, retaining as many original architectural and heritage details as possible, which is flexible enough to host a number of events, from performances and concerts to weddings and corporate bookings.’

The Kirkintilloch Town Hall project was funded by the council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government.

Iain Marley, CEO at hub West Scotland, said: ‘It’s very much deserved recognition for Kirkintilloch Town Hall. The project has restored and rejuvenated this fine building thanks to the skill and hard work of both public and private partners.’

Sandy Marshall, chair of EDLC Trust, added: ‘The flexibility of the new-look town hall is key – allowing it to be used for cultural events, community meetings, weddings, commercial lets and more. There has already been a huge amount of interest in the new building.

‘As well as being a first-class venue, the town hall will raise awareness of Kirkintilloch’s historic past and heritage.’