It has recently achieved ‘Stage One’ approval from the Council, and is now progressing into detailed design. The 5,455 sqm building will provide new, BCO compliant offices, meeting spaces and civic facilities in the heart of Dumbarton. The scheme will retain, repair and restore the Grade-A Listed facade to form a new administrative centre for West Dunbartonshire Council and the local community, helping the regeneration of the town centre.
The curtilage of the existing facade forms the main entrance and new ‘one-stop shop’ while also housing a new civic space and training rooms on the upper floor. Designed to achieve a BREEAM excellent rating, project incorporates a central atrium space creating a link between ‘old and new’ and providing a social heart to the workplace which supports the naturally ventilated, open plan office space. An enhanced public realm space on Church Street will create the setting for the restored façade with a new, terraced, landscaped amenity space formed off Castle Street.
The rational brick envelope of the extension is designed to both complement and respect the blonde sandstone of the Academy building. The design will also provide a number of expansive views to Dumbarton Rock which will help to encourage investment in town centre businesses.