Redevelopment in the heart of the town centre within the designated Ayr Central Conservation Area
Austin-Smith:Lord were appointed by HUB South West Scotland (HUB SW) in partnership with South Ayrshire Council (SAC) to lead the design proposals and subsequent development of the site at Ayr Riverside.
The site occupies 4,135.00 m2 of brown field, located in the heart of the town centre within the designated Ayr Central Conservation Area.
The newly developed area has created a new major public space between the High Street and Ayr River. This new urban realm responds to the importance of the historical context of the site whilst providing hard and soft landscape, new street furniture, places to dwell, lighting, and access to the river’s edge.
A key aspect of the development is the provision of space and infrastructure to support a programme of events and activities throughout the year such as regular pop-up markets or gatherings.
A new community pavilion has also been introduced with meeting and events space, public toilets and storage space.
LOCATION: AYR TOWN CENTRE
CLIENT: HUB SW / SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
COMPLETION: 2023
SERVICE: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, ARCHITECTURE
SECTOR: URBAN REGENERATION
CONTRACTOR: LINEAR DESIGN & CONSTRUCT
STRUCTURES: HARLEY HADDOW
SERVICES: HARLEY HADDOW
COST CONSULTANT: RLF
The masterplan covers 22 hectares of land on the southern edge of Penarth to provide 576 new homes, a primary school and community facilities
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- UPPER COSMESTON FARM MASTERPLAN, PENARTH
Upper Cosmeston Farm Masterplan, Penarth
The masterplan covers 22 hectares of land on the southern edge of Penarth to provide 576 new homes, a primary school and community facilities.
A high quality ‘Gardens By the Sea’ community where a diverse range of people live, learn and work; which prioritises walking and cycling, achieves operational Net Zero Energy standards and protects, enhances and celebrates the natural features of the site.
Outline planning application approved March 2024.
COMPLETION: ONGOING
SERVICE: MASTERPLANNING
SECTOR: URBAN REGENERATION, RESIDENTIAL
STRUCTURES: CAMBRIA
COST CONSULTANT: RPA
Masterplan for the strategic redevelopment of the Channel View residential area on the bank of the River Taff
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- CHANNEL VIEW REDEVELOPMENT, CARDIFF
Channel View Redevelopment, Cardiff
Austin-Smith:Lord was appointed by Cardiff Council to deliver a feasibility masterplan for the strategic redevelopment of the Channel View residential area on the bank of the River Taff.
The design development strategy evolved following a series of consultations with key stakeholders at the council including placemaking and urban design specialists, planners, highways and utilities departments. Starting as a framework of responses to the environmental and urban conditions of the site and a baseline number of properties to be delivered; around 360, the design evolved with each step of consultation in a feedback loop process.
The ultimate aim is to create a good area to live and to visit, with a distinct character, a neighbourhood that will not only offer high quality housing for its residents but will promote a sense of community. A place to call home.
The process of placemaking at Channel View has only just begun. Going forward an even greater level of consultation and community engagement will be essential for the scheme’s success as the design progresses.
Alongside the provision of quality new housing and the potential improvements for the local community the study explores opportunities in the wider context of Grangetown and the capital. The masterplan proposes to weave currently segregated parts of the existing local area together. The project also sets in motion discussions about the potential interconnection of the Taff‘s east and west banks to complete the quality pedestrian and cyclist loop around the edge of Cardiff Bay.
The redevelopment of Channel View is an exciting opportunity to alter a part of Cardiff’s urban fabric for the benefit of its existing and future residents and the city through quality placemaking. Austin-Smith:Lord takes on the challenge with an open mind, design vigour and a big box of LEGO blocks.
COMPLETION: ONGOING
SERVICE: MASTERPLANNING, URBAN DESIGN
SECTOR: URBAN REGENERATION
LANDSCAPE: AUSTIN-SMITH: LORD
COST CONSULTANT: STRONGS, GVA
Award-winning revitalisation of the area, with a new public square and integrated artwork
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- MERTHYR TYDFIL LOWER HIGH STREET
Merthyr Tydfil Lower High Street
The entrance to Merthyr Tydfil High Street was, by common consent, ill-defined, uninviting, traffic-choked and intimidating. Our challenge was to transform it into a café quarter; an open, welcoming community space that could serve as a focal point and allow people to come together, complementing our work in Merthyr to improve the River Taff Corridor.
We created a new square, making the public fundamental to the consultation process, so that not only would the result relate to, but be ‘owned by’ its users: vital for success. The walls blocking St Tydfil Church were replaced with a broad and visually arresting set of gently sloping steps ideal for sitting. Vehicular access to the High Street was restricted.
Frontages were refurbished. Stunning paving brought a contemporary edge. The town’s history was referenced in bespoke bronze art: from street lamps and pavement panels to bollards and benches. Restaurants and cafes were designed and opened. The Lucy Thomas fountain, revealed and refurbished, turns a focus of vandalism into a focus of hope.
The new square has successfully hosted a continental market and an ‘Icetravaganza’ at Christmas, exactly the focus the Council were aiming for. The space thrives, people congregate, and the vandalism and graffiti, prevalent before, have all but ceased.
We are seeing an increased footfall, and this has done an awful lot to help us weather the recession and protect the town from its worst effects.
Rhian Prosser – Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre Manager
CLIENT: MERTHYR TYDFIL CBC
COMPLETION: 2010
SERVICE: LANDSCAPE, URBAN DESIGN, MASTERPLANNING
SECTOR: URBAN REGENERATION
CONTRACTOR: DYER & BUTLER
LANDSCAPE: AUSTIN-SMITH: LORD
STRUCTURES: AECOM
SERVICES: AECOM
COST CONSULTANT: GLEEDS
AWARDS:
2009 BCSC TOWN CENTRE ENVIRONMENT GOLD AWARD
2009 LGN STREET DESIGN AWARD, RUNNER UP
2009 RTPI REGENERATION NETWORK AWARD
Collaboration with MVRDV to design District Regeneration Frameworks for four districts of Glasgow City Centre
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- (Y)OUR CITY CENTRE: GLASGOW REGENERATION FRAMEWORKS
(Y)our City Centre: Glasgow Districts Regeneration Frameworks
Glasgow City Council has appointed a team led by MVRDV and Austin-Smith:Lord, supported by Space Syntax and a multidisciplinary team, to embark on the design of District Regeneration Frameworks for four districts of Glasgow City Centre. These Regeneration Frameworks will look to create a clear urban structure to realise Glasgow’s economic, cultural and social potential. The project will focus on the areas comprising Broomielaw, Blythswood, St Enoch and Central as part of the city’s ambitious City Centre Strategy.
The regeneration frameworks are being prepared in consultation with stakeholders and the local community. The completed regeneration frameworks will become supplementary planning guidance, augmenting the new City Development Plan.
The future of Glasgow city centre is of huge important to so many of us as this area is without doubt the economic powerhouse of Scotland. This next stage of the regeneration framework for the city centre will look at four districts that play a significant role in our economic and cultural life, to identify and support and then develop the assets they have in new and innovative ways to ensure Glasgow continues to grow. There will be an investment of £115million in the city centre from the Glasgow City Region City Deal, and our engagement with the stakeholders of these areas will help decide how this investment is delivered. At the end of this process, we can look forward to a city centre that has changed for the better to become an even more attractive place in which to live, work, study, invest and visit.
Councillor Frank McAveety
CLIENT: GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL
COMPLETION: 2018
SERVICE: MASTERPLANNING, URBAN DESIGN, CONSULTATION
SECTOR: URBAN REGENERATION
LEAD DESIGNER: MVRDV
CONNECTIVITY/SPATIAL ECONOMICS: SPACE SYNTAX
SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSULTANTS: DOUGLAS WHEELER ASSOC
PROPERTY MARKET CONSULTANTS: RYDEN
COMMUNITY ANIMATION/ENGAGEMENT: WAVEPARTICLE
STRATEGIC CITY DESIGN ADVISER: GERRY GRAMS
ENGINEERING ADVICE: ARUP
COST CONSULTANTS: GARDINER & THEOBALD
Redesign of Colquhoun Square in the heart of the town centre, rejuvenation of all the principal surrounding streets and redevelopment of the West Bay Esplanade
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- HELENSBURGH TOWN CENTRE + ESPLANADE
Helensburgh Town Centre + Esplanade
The ambitious regeneration plans for Helensburgh were part of the Argyll and Bute Council CHORD initiative to improve economic activity in the town and enhance the visitor experience. Key aspects included the redesign of Colquhoun Square in the heart of the town centre, and redevelopment of all the principal surrounding streets and the West Bay Esplanade.
The design ethos was to create a town centre with attractive, usable and flexible public space thereby supporting community events, festivals and markets.
The town has held several successful events within their new square. These have attracted more people into the town centre and boosted trade for the local businesses, helping to support a sustainable economy.
The development of the ‘Outdoor Museum’ in Colquhoun Square has also provided a location and focus to display the rich and varied history of Helensburgh for local residents and visitors, both now and in the future.
I’m delighted with the quality of the work – the town centre looks fantastic….The project has seen a significant investment which will, I am sure, provide real, long lasting and tangible benefits to local people and businesses. We are already seeing significant private sector investment in the town and are hoping to use this project as a springboard to further growth.
Councillor Gary Mulvaney – chair of the Local Area Committee
The Austin Smith Lord design team which delivered the Helensburgh CHORD town centre and west bay esplanade public realm project for Argyll + Bute Council, acted professionally throughout the delivery of the project. Their senior management team was hands on and if there were any client concerns they quickly addressd them. The team are very client focussed, they respond quickly to requests for information and are willing to go the extra mile.
Helen Ford, Project Manager, Argyll & Bute Council
CLIENT: ARGYLL & BUTE COUNCIL
COMPLETION: 2015
SERVICE: LANDSCAPE, URBAN DESIGN, MASTERPLANNING
SECTOR: URBAN REGENERATION
CONTRACTOR: MACLAY CONSTRUCTION
LANDSCAPE: AUSTIN-SMITH: LORD
ENGINEERS: O’CONNOR SUTTON CRONIN
COST CONSULTANT: ROBINSON LOW FRANCIS
TRAFFIC & TRANSPORT: TRANSPORT PLANNING LTD
CONSULTATION & PLANNING: TURLEY ASSOCIATES
CONSULTATION & PUBLIC ART: WAVE
AWARDS:
2016 SCOTTISH DESIGN AWARD
2016 RIAS AWARD
2016 SALTIRE SOCIETY ARTS IN PUBLIC PLACES AWARD
Urban design study for the revitalisation of Bridgeton Cross in Glasgow’s East End
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- BRIDGETON URBAN DESIGN STUDY
Bridgeton Urban Design Study
Austin Smith Lord was commissioned to undertake an urban design study for the revitalisation of Bridgeton Cross in Glasgow’s East End. The study involved the development of a vision for Bridgeton which would deliver physical, social and economic regeneration within the wider Clyde Gateway initiatives.
Public realm proposals and illustrative montages were developed for key selected areas, including Bridgeton Cross and James Street.
The Study was incorporated in the East End Local Development Strategy so is a “material consideration” for planning applications.
The study’s recommendations have result in positive outcomes including a conservation area appraisal for Bridgeton Cross, the regeneration of the Olympia Cinema, Tullis Memorial Gardens, Calton Burial Grounds and public realm improvements at Bridgeton Cross.
CLIENT: GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL
COMPLETION: 2008
SERVICE: URBAN DESIGN, MASTERPLANNING
SECTOR: URBAN DESIGN
Preparation of a masterplan for the central area of Pennywell + Muirhouse
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- PENNYWELL + MUIRHOUSE MASTERPLAN
Pennywell + Muirhouse Masterplan
This commission comprises the preparation of a masterplan for the central area of Pennywell & Muirhouse which will guide the regeneration of the area and establish the development criteria for the North West Edinburgh Partnership Centre, The Muirhouse Shopping Centre, new housing opportunities and a
comprehensive review of the public realm integrating new and existing development on the site. Planning Permission in Principle for the masterplan was submitted in March 2012.
AS:L assembled and managed a cohesive team of experienced sub-consultants which greatly contributed to the success of the project.
Simon Lievesley – City of Edinburgh Council
CLIENT: CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
COMPLETION: PLANNING 2012
SERVICE: URBAN DESIGN, MASTERPLANNING
SECTOR: URBAN REGENERATION, RESIDENTIAL
ENGINEERING: URS/SCOTT WILSON
COST/PROPERTY CONSULTANT: HARDIES
TRAFFIC/TRANSPORT: TRANSPORT PLANNING LTD
REGENERATION/SOCIO ECONOMICS CONSULTANT: DWA
“A shining example of what can be achieved. The creative thinking behind this scheme has invigorated the town’s main street by attracting new business”
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- KILWINNING MAIN STREET
Austin-Smith:Lord was initially appointed by Irvine Bay Urban Regeneration Company to provide a Town Regeneration Plan to guide the sustainable regeneration of Kilwinning.
Following this, we were appointed as Landscape Architects to provide public realm proposals for Kilwinning Main Street.
The Main Street is the key open space in Kilwinning and the project aimed to transform the historic setting of the Town Centre and the Abbey with high quality, design led public space improvements. The creation of an attractive, robust and adaptable streetscape will encourage the wider regeneration of the town. New paving, seating, lighting and landscaping all contribute to make this a dynamic space that will attract new business, create jobs and increase visitor numbers.
A shining example of what can be achieved. The creative thinking behind this scheme has invigorated the town’s main street by attracting new business…….This is a new beginning. Kilwinning is now on the up.
Alex Neil – Minister for Housing and Communities
CLIENT: IRVINE BAY REGENERATION CO
COMPLETION: 2010
SERVICE: LANDSCAPE
SECTOR: URBAN REGENERATION
CONTRACTOR: LAND ENGINEERING
LANDSCAPE: AUSTIN-SMITH: LORD
STRUCTURES: ATKINS
SERVICES: ATKINS
COST CONSULTANT: NEILSON PARTNERSHIP
AWARDS:
2011 SCOTTISH DESIGN AWARD COMMENDATION, PUBLIC REALM & LANDSCAPE
2011 SILVER ROSES DESIGN AWARD, PUBLIC REALM & LANDSCAPE
Masterplan, public realm and office development
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- CLYDE GATE MASTERPLAN, URBAN REALM + OFFICE DEVELOPMENT
Austin-Smith:Lord were commissioned to prepare a masterplan for the low quality industrial area at Cable Depot Road, in conjunction with the proposed expansion of the NHS Golden Jubilee National Hospital .
We were subsequently commissioned to provide Landscape Architecture Services to deliver enabling works to one of the key sites identified within Clydebank Re-built’s Business Plan and the Clyde Gate Masterplan.
Following the successful completion of the enabling works, we were commissioned to design the first 1,100 m² pavilion on the site. The pavilion consists of a children’s nursery at ground floor level and offices on the first and second floors.
CLIENT: CLYDEBANK RE-BUILT
VALUE: PUBLIC REALM £2.4m, OFFICE £1.7M
COMPLETION: 2010
SERVICE: ARCHITECTURE, URBAN DESIGN, MASTERPLANNING, LANDSCAPE
SECTOR: URBAN REGENERATION
CONTRACTOR: LAND ENGINEERING (SCOTLAND) LTD
LANDSCAPE: AUSTIN-SMITH: LORD
STRUCTURES: WILL RUDD DAVIDSON
SERVICES: MOTT MACDONALD
COST CONSULTANT: THE NEILSON PARTNERSHIP
AWARDS: 2009 ROSES DESIGN AWARD
AYRSHIRE HOSPICEDesign of a supportive palliative care environment for those in Ayrshire with life-limiting illness
