Building Briefs - April 29th

• Engine Yard development shortlisted for award

The development is a finalist in ‘Best Development’ (urban – outside of London) category.

The Engine Yard was built on the city’s historic tram depot on Leith Walk – which was derelict and neglected – and the area has been transformed to create 377 new homes for sale and rent.

The development is rich in industrial architecture, with tram sheds, a chimney, gable and boundary walls – all of which are now being sensitively resorted.

The 2021 Inside Housing Awards ceremony will take place in November.

• North Ayrshire consults on housing plans at former Garnock Academy site

Local residents in North Ayrshire will get the chance to have their say on plans for new housing on part of the former Garnock Academy site.

North Ayrshire Council is holding an online consultation on the plans for 50 properties which include a mix of general needs houses, homes suitable for wheelchair users and amenity bungalows.

There will also be an opportunity for those without internet access to comment on the proposals.

It is hoped that construction can start in spring 2022 on the £9.7 million project which is supported by Scottish Government grant of £2.95m.

Yvonne Baulk, head of service (physical environment), said: “We have made a commitment to deliver 1,575 new homes for our residents and this ambitious development is a key part of those plans.

“As well as bringing part of an important site close to Kilbirnie town centre back into use, it will see the creation of more modern, energy-efficient homes for our residents to live in.”

Local people and interested parties can view and comment on the draft plans for the development from today, Wednesday, 28 April, 2021, until Wednesday, 26 May, 2021, online here.

• MSP Facades celebrates UK cladding industry with award sponsorship

Fabricated cladding solutions provider MSP Facades is showing its support for the sector in 2021 with the sponsorship of the Best Refurbishment Project category at the RCI Façade Awards.

Organised by cladding industry magazine, Roofing Cladding & Insulation (RCI), the annual awards are always well supported across the industry and showcase excellence across a number of different categories. 2021 is the first year MSP is sponsoring one of the awards and believes now is the right time to get behind the initiative.

Craig Matson, director of MSP (Scotland), said: “We’re really excited to get involved in the RCI awards this year as it shows our commitment to the industry that has gone through a lot over the past year. We think it’s important to support each other and celebrate the great work that often gets overlooked in the construction sector. We’re also looking forward to the awards ceremony at Manchester in November, when we hope to meet a lot of friends and colleagues who we’ve not seen for some time.”

Entries for the RCI Façade Awards close on June 11. The Award diner takes place at the Midland Hotel, Manchester on Friday 19th November 2021.

• West Lothian park and ride plans revealed

Stirling Developments has submitted plans to build a new park and ride facility in West Lothian for over 200 vehicles, with added associated works and the erection of two houses.

The car park on land at Station Road in Kirknewton was agreed to by developers back in 2013, as part of the Calderwood Development in East Calder.

The developer previously submitted applications in 2015 and 2018 but Network Rail and West Lothian Council decided against the proposals.

• Child designs dream bedroom for CALA Homes

A creative student at Cramond Primary school in Edinburgh will see his winning bedroom design brought to life inside a real showhome, thanks to a tie up with CALA Homes.

Jonathan Anderson, 11, was announced as the winner of the design competition coordinated by Cramond Primary, CALA Homes (East), and interior designers Envision, after he wowed with his striking rainforest-themed digital mood board.

The competition saw children in P7 create their ultimate bedroom, taking into account a theme, budget, materials and a floorplan – the winning project going on to form the design for a bedroom at the new showhome at CALA’s Cammo Meadows, due to launch this spring.

Jonathan’s winning design was inspired by the rainforest, with bold hues of green, patterned tropical wallpaper, yellows and blues featured throughout.

Jonathan’s winning moodboard featured a full wall tropical forest mural which has been specially printed for the showhome, green furniture and LED lights throughout, including a soft beanbag to relax in and a desk to do his homework on, with jungle-themed toys to bring the theme to life.

His design will be featured in one of the bedrooms in one of the two new showhomes CALA will be launching at Cammo Meadows, which is situated near to Cramond Primary School.

Cammo Meadows is a development of detached homes, terraced homes and apartments next to the Cammo Estate nature reserve.

• Work begins on new Sauchen to Cluny shared path

Works to develop a new shared path for pedestrians and cyclists stretching between the settlements of Sauchen and Cluny are underway.

The contracting team will be working to deliver the project as quickly as possible and to minimise any disruption as it aims for completion this summer.

Aberdeenshire Council is funding the construction of this important community link with support from developer obligations.

It is hoped this path will provide a vital link in improving access and active travel links within the communities.