02

03

04

05

06

07

08

A Promenade for Kilcreggan: Report

Kilcreggan’s most striking asset is the stunning view to the south, looking across the water to Greenock and Gourock, and also down the Firth of Clyde. The sun creates a glimmering sheet of light on the water that lends a wonderful quality to the atmosphere of the village. This has clearly influenced the manner in which the individual mansions have been laid out along the coast, but although the architecture is often Italianate, the opportunity for the community to walk along the shore to enjoy “La Passegiata” (or “Roaming in the Gloaming”) is currently very restricted: the shore itself is rocky, and the pavement by the road is very narrow.

The proposal is to build a new continuous and generously proportioned promenade along the shoreline, which will offer a sheltered place with the best views to walk and meet others. It will provide an opportunity to bring people together informally, and encourage visitors. It will also have covered spaces for stalls selling art and crafts, and second hand books, (like the stalls along the Seine in Paris), and ice creams etc. It can also accommodate other activities, such as a childrens’ play area, a five-a-side football pitch, a pool, and can provide a place for other temporary events: this will increase the critical mass so that the whole will end up as more than the sum of its parts. The linear nature of the proposal allows it to be built in phases, so that it can be extended in time and develop other activities and link up with further areas.

The new promenade will be built with a reinforced concrete retaining structure at the rear, “Corten” canopy, a cantilevered concrete deck finished with Meranti hardwood, and bronze railings. It will be carefully tailored to the existing rocky contours and encourage the existing natural plants and flowers to develop along its edge. The main entrance to the new promenade will be at the existing pier, while other access points back to Shore Road will be created along its length.

09

11

13

16