20

Entry number 20

Kilcreggan Strand
Enhance sense of place
The Kilcreggan Strand development aims to strengthen and enhance the already numerous positive qualities of the town. Kilcreggan presents an unusual set of relationships – that of a rural suburbia sprawling in a linear fashion along the coast. It is currently difficult to experience the town due to restricted walking space along the shore and the small size of the existing community centre. Our primary concept is to open up usable walking space to the east of the existing pier by creating a boardwalk. This would link up a number of developments that would aim to breathe new life in to the town and enhance the idyllic setting and nature of the town.
Embracing community life
Community members mentioned the importance of providing gathering space, especially outdoor space for festivals and events. The first phase of our development delivers an outdoor pavilion in place of the existing toilet block. The structure would also contain demountable barbeque facilities providing outdoor sheltered picnic space. New toilet facilities would be located in a new art gallery located near the top end of the pier. A large artistic community exists in the town and would provide space to exhibit local art or indeed house some of the area’s clubs and societies Both the pavilion and the gallery would consolidate the existing hub by increasing function. Furthermore, both would aim to improve the visitor and arrival experience.
Play space for children was also highlighted by community members as a something to be desired. We have re-designed the existing open space by the shore as a playscape linked to a submarine timber play structure. This would reflect the industry that employs many of the locals. Our boardwalk would link in to this playspace from the gallery and pavilion.
The public realm around the existing shops would also be improved creating a consolidated design across the central hub.
Encourage enterprise
Our boardwalk would continue along the coast along the edge of the vacant boat yard. This is an optimum location to provide housing. There are very limited housing typologies in the island – mainly large Victorian villas. These are too expensive for young families and for many others who may wish to live in the area. Our development provides 22 new housing units varying between 2 and 4 bedrooms in terraced, semi-detached and apartment form. All homes come with their own garden or terrace. Those that do not have a sea view overlook landscaped gardens and are linked back to the town centre by the boardwalk.
Integral to the provision of housing would be the integration of workspace. Plots in the terrace units have large plots that can be developed over time to accommodate small office units. End terrace plots would have larger units that would open up to the boardwalk or public road. These would be developable as offices/studios or even retail units with living accommodation above.
With the improvement of technology of the next 20 years and increased ability to work from home – the idyllic setting of Kilcreggan could be attractive to new residents. Housing with business opportunities attached would capitalise on this. Units would also activate facades along the boardwalk.
Experience the natural surroundings
The final phase of the development would provide an end point for the boardwalk. A tower sitting out on the sea would terminate the walking experience and provide excellent open views for birdwatchers and walkers alike. The tower could be the subject of a further architectural competition. The structure could even change every few years – providing an ever changing landscape.