The project created a vital community resource in a new contemporary building incorporating the historic Whitburn Burgh Hall. The result is attractive and light-filled spaces that focus on delivery of community services in the area, housing a modern library, local history museum, two large multi-purpose community function rooms and smaller meeting rooms, all accessible at ground floor level with council staff offices above.

Externally, we have created a new landmark public space on the doorstep of the Centre, that offers opportunities for public events in front of the new building.

Finished with high-quality facing brick, extensive areas of glazing and bronze-coloured feature solar fins with integrated signage, the extension is a contemporary addition to the streetscape. The existing Burgh Hall has been given a new lease of life with sensitive conservation and alteration.

Internally, key spaces are flooded with natural daylight, with oak batten feature ceilings and wall linings that create a welcoming and warm space which also deals with acoustics.

The most dramatic space is the double-height community hall with a large rooflight and feature ceiling at the heart of the centre.

It is important that the building achieves high energy performance to support West Lothian Council’s ambitious sustainability agenda. Our sustainable design strategy means the building is almost entirely naturally ventilated, has high levels of insulation, a large roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels array and benefits from high levels of natural daylight.

The project was delivered in close collaboration with main contractor Maxi Construction, structural engineers Bayne Stevenson Associates, services engineers EDP Consulting Engineers, quantity surveyors Brownriggs and principal designer F3 Building Surveyors.