A NEW development in Dumbarton has been shortlisted in two categories in a national award.
Caledonia Housing Association’s (CHA) major programme to transform Bellsmyre from dilapidated high-rises to 204 new-build homes has been shortlisted for two of the Planning Awards categories – their ‘Award for best Housing Scheme (fewer than 500 homes)’ and their ‘Award for Regeneration’.
We previously told how now completed Muir Road forms the first stage of the Bellsmyre Regeneration Project, consisting of new homes, to replace a large number of ageing blocks which could not be upgraded to pass the Scottish Government standards.
Andrew Kilpatrick, director of assets at Caledonia Housing Association, said: “We’re very proud of the Bellsmyre development.
"It’s a major regeneration project in West Dunbartonshire and will deliver much-needed affordable, high-quality, energy-efficient homes for families, which is what Caledonia's mission is all about.
"That the Bellsmyre Regeneration project has been recognised for two categories at a UK level demonstrates the impact of this ambitious £40 million regeneration project in which ECD Architects have played a pivotal role.”
The main principles for CHA were creating smaller communities that encourage neighbourliness while clearly defining private and communal spaces, creating high-quality landscaped and amenity spaces and removing high-maintenance spaces by replacing it with durable materials that last.
Each house has been designed by ECD Architects to zero-energy standards using a blend of Passivhaus and Energiesprong principles, with low maintenance and durability as key project driver.
The design scheme avoids the use of random colours and applies traditional, durable materials in a light, monochromatic grey shades palette.
As such the new layout creates safer streets, useable outdoor public space, easy access for residents and better visual and physical links between Bellsmyre and the local nature sites, such as the Nature Conservation Area and Kilpatrick Hills.
Dilveer Hoonjan, the project Architect and Passivhaus Designer at ECD Architects, said: “We are really excited by what Caledonia HA is achieving in Bellsmyre and how they have focused upon improving the current and future wellbeing of the residents as well as the quality of the local environment.”
Winners will be announced at the Planning Awards ceremony on June 8.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here