With Timespan undergoing a pivotal transformation as part of its 2025-2028 strategic plan, the regeneration and upgrade of its building marks an exciting opportunity to help unlock its full potential and support its commitment to being an accessible, environmentally sustainable, and inclusive institution.

The feasibility study seeks to inform this revitalisation process, ensuring that the building reflects Timespan’s local, community-centred values and global aspirations.

Architect-led design teams and collaborations of all sizes and compositions were encouraged to respond to RIAS Consultancy’s open call in September, with 38 teams submitting an expression of interest.

Featuring a mix of leading and emerging names from across Scotland and the UK, the selected shortlist showcases creative experience in a wide variety of sectors and specialisms.

The five shortlisted teams are as follows:

• Assemble and Office Corr Higgins
• A team led by Dualchas Architects
• Konishi Gaffney Architects with David Lemm and Allt Environmental
• A team led by Moxon Architects
• A team led by Rural Design

Timespan’s diverse programme of cultural initiatives - from arts, heritage and digital innovation, to education, wellbeing, and local empowerment – has become an essential resource, for the remote and rural communities of north east Scotland and beyond.

In keeping with this, the brief for the holistic redevelopment of the building - a former herring curing yard in Helmsdale – encompasses the café, gallery, workshops, storage, and museum spaces, welcoming an approach that prioritises local materials and reduces environmental impact. The transformation of Timespan’s physical space provides the opportunity to be a catalyst for a coherent and meaningful visitor experience - a hub that brings people together to exchange knowledge and generate change, with the ambition of contributing to a more equitable, diverse, and sustainable future.

Following this first stage of the procurement process, the 5 shortlisted practices and collaborations are now being invited to visit the site and submit a tender, with an anticipated deadline of early December. The successful team will receive approximately £30,000 for the preparation of the feasibility study for Timespan’s building, which will produce a report detailing designs and costs to RIBA Stage 2.

Tamsie Thomson, chief executive of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, said: “We’ve been thrilled to work with Timespan on this exciting and ambitious open call. Spaces like Timespan are essential to enabling robust cultural provision, supporting community empowerment and encouraging engagement in issues of climate change and equality – a mission we are proud to support.

“We’ve been delighted to see the breadth and quality of responses that the open call has attracted, showcasing inspiring architectural talent from across Scotland and the wider UK. This is reflected in the 5 brilliant teams and collaborations that have been shortlisted, each impressing us with their expertise and enthusiasm for the brief. We’re now looking forward to welcoming the teams to the site in the coming weeks, and to seeing the next stages of this project unfold.”

Giulia Gregnanin, director/curator of Timespan, said: “This project marks a pivotal step in Timespan’s ambition to become an Institution of the Commons, and we look forward to seeing our civic and cultural vision woven into the fabric of our building. We’re thrilled to welcome the five shortlisted teams to Helmsdale. Our collaboration with RIAS has been invaluable, as reflected in the impressive quality and innovation of the applications received.”