LDN was appointed as architect and lead consultant to redevelop the derelict category A listed Speirs Centre which first opened as a public baths and gymnasium in 1897. The project is now complete and forms a civic centrepiece for Alloa that accommodates a wide range of cultural and community based activities. These include museum displays, which are part of a new heritage trail, a modern library, a café, a Council customer services access point, the Council Registrar’s office, community education programme facilities, business centre facilities, meeting rooms and a Tourist Information Centre.
The work included a comprehensive programme of internal and external conservation repairs; complete renewal of utilities and m/e services infrastructure; re-organisation of accommodation to create secure zones and support facilities for the principal activities; conversion of the original swimming pool to form a library; a contemporary extension housing reception and café and creating an accessible entrance; and improvements to accessibility, fire escape provision and fire compartmentation throughout.
The works to the existing building removed as many previous intrusive alterations as possible, particularly the fire partitions erected around the original entrance, to expose the outstanding spatial arrangement of the original design. All new elements were carefully considered to be light-touch, reversible interventions complementing the original Moorish and Oriental rich detailing.
A new accessible entrance and extension was added to the rear of the building. This location and design of the extension also acknowledged the way that the orientation of the town has changed since the Speirs Centre was first built by the creation of a new urban frontage facing towards Alloa’s railway station. The surrounding public realm has still to be upgraded.
LDN was appointed as architect and lead consultant to redevelop the derelict category A listed Speirs Centre which first opened as a public baths and gymnasium in 1897. The project is now complete and forms a civic centrepiece for Alloa that accommodates a wide range of cultural and community based activities. These include museum displays, which are part of a new heritage trail, a modern library, a café, a Council customer services access point, the Council Registrar’s office, community education programme facilities, business centre facilities, meeting rooms and a Tourist Information Centre.
The work included a comprehensive programme of internal and external conservation repairs; complete renewal of utilities and m/e services infrastructure; re-organisation of accommodation to create secure zones and support facilities for the principal activities; conversion of the original swimming pool to form a library; a contemporary extension housing reception and café and creating an accessible entrance; and improvements to accessibility, fire escape provision and fire compartmentation throughout.
The works to the existing building removed as many previous intrusive alterations as possible, particularly the fire partitions erected around the original entrance, to expose the outstanding spatial arrangement of the original design. All new elements were carefully considered to be light-touch, reversible interventions complementing the original Moorish and Oriental rich detailing.
A new accessible entrance and extension was added to the rear of the building. This location and design of the extension also acknowledged the way that the orientation of the town has changed since the Speirs Centre was first built by the creation of a new urban frontage facing towards Alloa’s railway station. The surrounding public realm has still to be upgraded.
