The RTPI Awards showcase and celebrate the best plans, people and projects across Scotland. The project, hailed as a shining example of community-driven, local authority-enabled local park regeneration, claimed the coveted Overall Winner title, earning recognition for its exceptional achievements.

With a focus on rejuvenating the pride of the Portonian community, the Zetland Park Project surpassed its original proposals and successfully delivered a £2.53 million park regeneration initiative.

The project brought together a collaborative alliance of partners, including Falkirk Council and community groups, most notably Friends of Zetland Park, and funders to transform the park into a vibrant and thriving space. The project received a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund of £1.12m.

The capital works undertaken by Falkirk Council as part of the project were truly transformative. The renovation of the war memorial and cast-iron fountain restored these important historical landmarks to their former glory, paying homage to the town’s heritage. Furthermore, a derelict boating pond was revitalised into a flourishing wildlife pond, providing a sanctuary for local flora and fauna.

To enhance the park’s functionality as an events venue, a new performance stage and events space were constructed, catering to a variety of cultural and artistic endeavours. The project also incorporated an inclusive heritage-themed play area, ensuring that children of all abilities could enjoy the park’s amenities. Additionally, a climate-resilient ornamental rain garden and a floodlit pump track were established, promoting sustainable practices and encouraging outdoor activities.

In addition to the capital works, the Zetland Park Project invested £130,000 in a parallel activity programme. This comprehensive initiative encompassed a wide range of activities, including oral histories and interpretive research, the annual science festival, events days, townscape appraisal programmes, and engaging projects such as flag design, sports, photography, cycling/bike activities, and performing arts initiatives.

The remarkable accomplishment of the Zetland Park Project is further magnified by the challenges it overcame. The project navigated the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, enduring multiple national lockdowns, price increases, and supply issues. Despite these obstacles, the project team’s dedication and resilience prevailed, delivering an outcome that exceeded expectations.

In an era of global change and re-evaluation, the Zetland Park Project stands as a testament to the transformative power of heritage projects. By enhancing the wellbeing and lives of the Portonian community, as well as the overall quality of the area, this project has cemented its status as a catalyst for positive change.

The recognition of the Zetland Park Project at the RTPI Scotland Awards for Planning reinforces its significant impact and serves as an inspiration for future community-driven park regeneration initiatives.

Cllr Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council, said: “The Zetland Park Project is an outstanding example of what can be achieved through community collaboration and council support. It has truly rejuvenated the pride of the Portonian community, showcasing the transformative power of heritage projects. Despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, the project team’s unwavering dedication has delivered remarkable results. This recognition at the RTPI Scotland Awards for Planning is a testament to the project’s success and its positive impact on the wellbeing and quality of place for the people of Grangemouth.”

Elsewhere, Aberdeen City Council was awarded both the ‘Best Plan’ award for the Net Zero Aberdeen Routemap and the ‘Planning Authority of the Year’ for the Strategic Place Planning Service.

As a city at the heart of the global energy sector, a just energy transition is a vital priority for Aberdeen. Through creation of a Net Zero Aberdeen Routemap, sectors from across the city have co-created a pathway leading the way towards a net zero Aberdeen.

Strong collaboration is at the core of these net zero ambitions, recognising that climate change is a challenge that will affect us all and can’t be solved by one organisation alone.

Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “Aberdeen City Council Co Leader Councillor Ian Yuill, said: “Winning the ‘Best Plan’ award for Aberdeen’s Net Zero Routemap recognises the considerable efforts that the City Council is taking in the face of climate change.

“My congratulations to the Strategic Place Planning service who also won the award for ‘Planning Authority of the Year’.”

Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “This is a great result not only winning Best Plan but also Planning Authority of the Year. These awards highlight our ambitions to work together as a team to better our city and residents.”

The Strategic Place Planning service area includes the physical, social, and economic activities used to maintain, regenerate and strengthen the place of Aberdeen. Their focus is to enable, facilitate and deliver effective placemaking across the city. This includes planning, transport, environmental, housing, building standards and digital initiatives.

Other winners included:

Best Project - University of Glasgow Western Campus entered by the University of Glasgow

• The University of Glasgow is investing £1.3 billion to create a sustainable, world-class urban quarter that integrates into the social and cultural fabric of Glasgow, with support from a Masterplan focused on placemaking. The development, one of the UK’s largest, aims to bring people together in a dynamic environment to stimulate research and foster greater integration between academic, local communities, and businesses. The first building delivered is the Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre (ARC), which acts as the creative and collaborative heart of research at the university. The £118m building helps bridge boundaries between research, cross-subject collaboration, and true societal impact.

Young Planner of the Year - Sarah Purves, Fife Council

• Sarah is a dedicated, enthusiastic Planning Officer working in Fife Council’s Planning Service. She joined from high school on a trainee planning assistant internship, progressing successfully within various roles. She now plays an integral role in the Major Business & Priority Team. She also leads on the St Andrews West Strategic Development Area, negotiating place-based outcomes for various development proposals in delivering overarching spatial principles for the area. She is a keen advocate for non-standard entry into the planning profession (alternatives to full time study) and also leads Fife’s APC CPD programme, advising colleagues through the RTPI APC process.

All RTPI Scotland Award winners will be put forward for the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence national awards. The national shortlist will be announced on 9 October, with the winners honoured at a celebration ceremony taking place in London on 21 November 2023.