issue 5 - june 2012
www.myfuturesinfalkirk.co.uk
Architects awarded £1million contract to deliver unique tourism experience in Scotland Nicoll Russell Studios’ designs were selected by a panel of four judges for their use of light, space and strength of visual elements as well as the connection between the two separate structures, which work seamlessly together to create a distinctive experience.
Nicoll Russell Studios, whose head office is in Broughty Ferry, has been selected to deliver the prestigious contract following a design competition and tender process managed by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) seeking ambitious designs for a functional but visionary visitor centre as part of the £41 million Helix project in Falkirk.
Sculptor Andy Scott commented on the chosen designs. He said: “It was a tough decision but for me, I could see how the internal space and visitor centre would work together. These are exciting times and I am delighted by both the prospect of seeing the designs come to life and to the contract being awarded to a Scottish company with an international reputation for excellence.”
The practice will also deliver their designs for an internal public space located within a 30m high Kelpie head created by world-renowned sculptor, Andy Scott, in a move that will establish a dramatic, multisensory experience anticipated to generate significant levels of repeat visits.
Mike King, programme director for the Helix Project, welcomed the outcome of the competition. He said: “This is a great result and demonstrates the quality and strength of architecture and design in Scotland. Nicoll Russell Studios’ designs are dynamic and engaging and showed a clear understanding of the requirements of the
The Kelpies will feature an internal public space providing a dramatic, multi-sensory experience.
brief, set against the backdrop of the wider project objectives. The Helix is amongst the most exciting transformation programmes under way in the UK right now and one of our key aims is to create a unique multivisitor experience that will firmly establish the project as a ‘must see’ destination on the national and international tourism map.”
Canal Link Contract Award Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering has been awarded a £13.5 million contract to deliver a comprehensive programme of canal construction and design works, confirming the next stage of the Helix project. The scope of the canal works will focus on creating a new canal extension from the existing Forth & Clyde canal down to a new sea lock on the River Carron, waiting areas and a lift bridge over the new extension at Glensburgh Road in Falkirk.
Issue 5 • June 2012
A Scottish architects’ practice has beaten global competition to secure a £1million contract to deliver a unique visitor experience, which will form part of one of the most exciting community projects in the UK.
Artist’s impression of the functional but visionary visitor centre