Lochshore area set for an exciting new project

Collective Architecture have recently secured planning approval for the proposed Garnock Visitor and Community Hub adjacent to Kilbirnie Loch, set within the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. Collective Architecture are working with North Ayrshire Council, Scottish Enterprise and Hub South West to deliver an exemplar facility, that offers facilities for visitors and provides a base for outdoor activities and events within the parkland. This building is an integral part of an overall masterplan and regeneration strategy for Lochshore. The wider vision for Lochshore is to create a destination focusing on the health and well-being of the local and wider community that shall deliver environmental, economic, regeneration, health, mental health and social benefits. The building has been designed to marry the particular brief requirements with its stunning context and opportunities for views towards Kilbirnie Loch and overlooking the Garnock Rugby Club pitches. The existing sloped topography has been maximised to provide sports changing facilities to a lower ground floor level (with direct access to pitches and lochside activities) with shared communal facilities above. The upper areas provide access to the building’s main entrance and command views across the site. Two, parallel pavilions sit proudly in the landscape above a robust base level. The pavilions are linked by a shared, secure entrance courtyard and associated glazed link, with level access directly from the car park area and viewing terrace towards the loch and rugby pitches. Internally, the building has been arranged to link the cafe, outdoor terrace, workshops and other shared areas in a flexible way around the main entrance and viewing area. The building form and materials have been designed to reflect the site’s ndustrial heritage. The upper pavilions are clad in robust, ribbed metal covering to both roof areas and upper walls. These sit on a textured concrete base with a large recess for sitting, shelter and direct access to changing. Large areas of glazing are provided to the upper areas to allow access and views to courtyards, terraces and shared areas. The visitor hub proposal is currently pending a decision from Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund to provide funding for construction.

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