ARPL Architects Unveil Vision for Iconic Pink Buildings in Ayr
Submitted by: Fame Publicity Services
2012-04-01 06:58:43
Leading Ayrshire-based architectural practice ARPL Architects Ltd have proudly unveiled their vision for the iconic pink buildings that stand at the corner of New Bridge Street in Ayr.
Ayrshire, Scotland (OPENPRESS) April 2, 2012 -- Leading Ayrshire-based architectural practice ARPL Architects Ltd have proudly unveiled their vision for the iconic pink buildings that stand at the corner of New Bridge Street in Ayr.
ARPL Architects Ltd director Gordon Fleming commented: "We are delighted to have been appointed to plan this project to restore two of the most prominent buildings in Ayr to their former glory."
Approval of planning permission by South Ayrshire Council's Regulatory Panel has given the green light for the first phase of a multi-million pound project to transform the historic gateway to Ayr town centre.
The £2.5 million Ayr Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) - funded by the Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) - will transform the 'pink buildings' on New Bridge Street through a sympathetic conservation and repair programme that will ensure the special historical and architectural character of these buildings is properly maintained.
The works for 1-5 New Bridge Street will be carried out using traditional methods and materials and in line with best conservation practice. They include:
* the removal of the existing paint finish;
* extensive stone repairs and repointing;
* complete re-roofing and new flashings;
* repair of all sash windows;
* re-instatement of historic shop fronts and entrance doors;
* new painted metal balustrade and balconies;
* replacement skylight and stonework;
* new cast iron downpipes and gutters;
* new panelled double doors to the shop opening; and
* new painted metal gates at the entrance to the passageway.
ARPL Architects Ltd director Gordon Fleming added: "The famous pink buildings contain some fine Georgian interiors which now urgently need specialist repair and conservation works carried out.
"Externally also many of the original architectural features have been lost during many years of neglect.
"Happily, funding has now been made available for the implementation of a comprehensive conservation scheme covering the two buildings, including replacing the balconies, upgrading the shop on the ground floor, and restoring the famous frontage to its original state.
"All of us at ARPL Architects Ltd are proud to be working on this project, which utilises this firm's recognised expertise in the conservation of historically important and sensitive old buildings."
Gordon Fleming BArch DipArch RIAS RIBA
Gordon Fleming trained at the MacIntosh School of Architecture, Glasgow University and worked in Glasgow, Edinburgh and London prior to joining ARPL Architects Ltd in 1998.
Gordon is accredited in sustainable design as part of the initial scheme developed by the RIAS. He leads the practice in the firm's approach to design, particularly for new buildings, and success has been recognised through various design awards. He lectures, and is a part-time design tutor at Strathclyde University School of Architecture.
His interests have resulted in utilising some innovative technology, and as a practice ARPL ensure each site and building is considered carefully to produce appropriate solutions.
Gordon monitors the practice quality standards, programming and organisation of project design teams.
ARPL Architects Ltd
The directors of ARPL Architects Ltd are Patrick Lorimer, Robert Gilliland, Gordon Fleming, and Rebecca Cadie with John Ramsay, Stewart Glendinning and Kenneth Handley as associates.
The ARPL philosophy is to produce buildings to the highest design standards in close consultation with its clients. Designs are innovative and sympathetic to both the immediate and the broader environment in which they are constructed, with an emphasis on sustainability. Each project embraces the unique nature of the client's needs and the site.
Over the 36 years since Patrick Lorimer established the original practice, ARPL's status in the profession has grown steadily in line with its position as a medium-sized practice with a reputation for well executed projects. From its base in Ayr the practice carries out projects over a wide geographical area from the Orkneys and the Western Isles to Ireland.
The firm's project experience covers the fields of housing, churches, schools, commercial projects, private houses, community and arts buildings. Particular expertise has been developed in contemporary sustainable design, specialist conservation works and design for historically sensitive environments.
ARPL's work has received wide recognition through numerous design and environmental awards presented over the years for its new build and conservation works. Regular success in design competitions adds to the practice portfolio.
ARPL are currently working on new and refurbishment housing for Lochside, Ayr, several church and castle conservation and restoration projects and new community facilities in the South West of Scotland. Appointments for church commissions involve a range of denominations and projects from conservation and repair to extensions and new build. The firm is also involved in country houses and estates and the design of new houses for private owners.
The practice typically handles projects with construction values ranging from £100k through to £15m.
ARPL directors have managed to keep their business stable during the current difficult times, and have a busy current workload.
ARPL Architects Ltd is a Founder Member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.
THE ELITE AYRSHIRE BUSINESS CIRCLE
The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle is an association founded in 2007 by some of the top companies in Ayrshire.
Its purpose is to publicise its members, and to celebrate and promote the wealth and rich diversity of entrepreneurial talent and business excellence that abounds here within the county boundaries of Ayrshire.
Members include the Clydesdale Bank, Ayr Racecourse, Western House Hotel, Turnberry Golf Resort and South Ayrshire Council. Member company activities include broadcasting, building and construction, architectural practice, estate agency and land management, chartered accountancy, insurance broking, legal services, golf club management, marketing services and brand creation, web design and public relations consultancy.
Frazer Coogans Commercial Solicitors senior partner Norman Geddes is executive chairman of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle, and managing director is public relations consultancy Fame Publicity Services proprietor Murdoch MacDonald.
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For further information about The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and to apply for membership, e-mail eliteayrshire@gmail.com
Press Keywords: ARPL Architects Ltd, pink buildings, Patrick Lorimer, Gordon Fleming, New Bridge Street, architects, Ayr, Elite Ayrshire Business Circle,
