Helensburgh public realm makeover unveiled
June 25 2015
The public realm work is centred on a new look Colquhoun Square which has been reimagined as a civic space capable of hosting community events and incorporating an ‘outdoor museum’ exhibiting artwork and artefacts from local history.
These are contained within a series of bollards designed to regulate traffic flows but which contain items of interest embedded within in order to meet residents desire for more museum space.
Additional seating, widened pavements and high quality surfaces have also been installed as part of efforts to promote outdoor activity whilst encouraging greater footfall between the town centre and the seafront.
Graham Ross, project partner at Austin-Smith:Lord commented: “Helensburgh is one of the finest examples of a planned town in the UK. It was an immense challenge to be asked to redefine the principal public spaces of the historic, seaside town centre. Over the last five years we have sought to address the issues in collaboration with our project team colleagues, the Council and the local community with whom we engaged with to create a streetscape that emulates the ambition of the original town plan.
“It was a rare privilege to be asked to design a new civic square, principal streets and a waterfront esplanade in such a location; one that demanded a sensitive design response to create public realm that encourages street life and a convivial, vibrant town centre. Early feedback is encouraging and the provision of high quality public realm, enriched by place-specific artwork that reveal the town’s story, should help to mark the next chapter in the regeneration of Helensburgh.”
Photography by Keith Hunter
Colquhoun Square will serve as the 'civic heart' of Helensburgh
Main streets on the town centre grid benefit from high quality paving and street furniture
residents were engaged over a 20 month period to inform the design proposals
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5 Comments
#1 Posted by Stephen on 25 Jun 2015 at 16:59 PM
Sh**s on George sq. Thanks Mathesson.
#2 Posted by wonky on 25 Jun 2015 at 18:29 PM
this is tremendous investment in public realm for a relatively small £7m output- when you consider the George Sq fiasco it really does make you want to drive to some remote area out with the metropolis & scream very loudly. Great job Helensburgh.
#3 Posted by wonky on 25 Jun 2015 at 19:56 PM
Word up for Austin-smith: Lord for such a great design- it really showcases some of the picturesque architecture around the square- it has certainly resuscitated the heart of the town.
#4 Posted by Brian on 25 Jun 2015 at 22:27 PM
I was in Helensburgh recently and its very pleasant to sit in the square and seafront,It has been done very well and tastfully .well done.
#5 Posted by Robert on 28 Jun 2015 at 11:11 AM
Remarkable to see this level of public investment in a relatively small town. Birmingham could only muster £5m for Centenary Square. Well done Helensburgh.
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