Aberdeenshire Council | Fraserburgh, UK 2015-2020
Scottish Design Awards Winner 2020
AIA Awards Commendation 2020
WAN Future Projects Awards Winner 2016
Located at the far northeast corner of Aberdeenshire, the major fishing port of Fraserburgh is characterised by sheer sided fish processing sheds ranked up against the handsome masonry architecture of its 19th Century heyday. In the harbour, the vivid technicolour of the North Sea fishing fleet can be seen moored alongside robust 20th Century public housing and the oxidising paraphernalia of a thriving maritime industry. Just inland from the harbour Saltoun Square has long been the focus of community life in the town, the civic heart of which; 1 Saltoun Square; has now been renovated and extended as part of the ambitious Fraserburgh 2021 regeneration project funded jointly by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and client Aberdeenshire Council.
As a crucial anchor within the Town Centre Conservation Area, the Category B Listed 1 Saltoun Square has been extensively restored and simultaneously expanded into the adjacent and formerly dilapidated police station, significantly increasing capacity. A third component, a new build extension to the rear, performs the function of binding these two existing buildings together, serving as both a means of unencumbered access to all levels and a new ‘front of house’ to council services. Vertical and horizontal circulation, meeting accommodation for public and council use and a range of supporting facilities are incorporated into the extension, relieving pressure on the existing buildings and allowing them to become more efficient and welcoming to the community.