Supporting Statement
The Community Council support the nomination of the Buchanan Centre for the...
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The Community Council support the nomination of the Buchanan Centre for the award in recognition of the benefits which the development has brought to the people of Coatbridge. The Buchanan Centre acts as a focus for activity within the Main Street which gives people easy access to modern health and public facilities whil increasing the footfall within the town centre which benefits the vitality of the town centre at a time of economic uncertainty.
The new three and four-storey building is located in the pedestrianised zone of Coatbridge’s centre. Whilst predominantly glass to the public realm an element of masonry enhances the buildings civic presence framing the link bridges across the entrance screen and rooting the building to Main Street. Its accommodation is arranged around a central atrium, which brings natural light into the heart of the building and offers clear means of orientation for its users. The building’s ground floor is an extension of the public pedestrian square, which has been retained and revitalised with new landscaping and a variety of artworks. It is a building that seamlessly connects “street” activity to create internal spaces which are easily accessible to all members of the community.
The centre’s location will ensure its full integration into the town centre and the community. It will provide improved access to healthcare via public transport and infrastructure. The intention was to create a civic building with a strong identity that will both enhance the fabric of the town centre and contribute positively to the wellbeing of the community. Considerable work has been undertaken to ensure that the design for the landscape immediately adjacent to the new building adds to the feeling of ‘community ownership’ desired by the Client. The social and community activity generated by the project will become a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the local area.