Architect reveals town centre vision

Published 13 Jul 2010 10:00

AN architect has drawn up plans which he says could turn Dumbarton's ailing Old Academy building into a multi-functional community centre.

Gordon Harrison, 38, who works for Dumbarton-based Richmond Architects, designed the new centre as part of his degree in Urban Design at Glasgow School of Art and said he will send his proposals to West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC).

An avid Save Dumbarton High Street campaigner, Gordon's masterplan would create a new community/civic facility for the town including a library, community halls, theatre, cafe/bar, office, tourist information centre and ancillary accommodation within the old Dumbarton Academy/Burgh Hall building in Church Street.

He told the Reporter: "I did a couple of projects for my post grad in Urban Designs at Glasgow School of Art.

"Last year I did a detailed survey on the Burgh Hall and a brief history about its life span.

"A copy of that project is in Dumbarton Library.

"This year I followed on from that and I developed design pieces for my final design project.

"So I chose to follow up on my research and came up with how the Burgh Hall could be used."

He points out that his plan would free up prime sites in the town - currently occupied by dilapidated community buildings - which could be sold to generate funds to finance the new development and form part of the overall town centre regeneration.

He added: "I came up with the idea to create a sustainable community centre to consolidate all community buildings into the one building.

"I think it's the only way to save the Old Academy.

"On close inspection, the existing stone facade is in very poor condition and would be very expensive to restore, with most of its decorative features badly eroded, it may not be a financially feasible restoration.

"This coupled with the lack of archive drawings of the building is the driving force behind this project as this building is seriously at risk of being lost with no concise records of its quality and detail."

Gordon does acknowledge that the cost of his plan might mean that the project may not be financially viable.

But he said: "I was born and bred in Dumbarton.

"It's nice to see the buildings used.

"I'm going to forward the proposals to the council so we'll see what happens."

For more information about Gordon's research project there is a copy of his plans in Dumbarton Library.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 13 Jul 10

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