Architects appointed to lead regeneration of Rothesay Pavilion

Argyll and Bute Council has just appointed award winning Elder & Cannon Architects  to lead the team to regenerate Rothesay’s iconic waterside Pavilion.

The Glasgow-based architects will work with project manager, The Prince’s Regeneration Trust ,to carry out an options appraisal, identifying an exciting package of sustainable uses for the Pavilion.

This category ‘A’ listed building is one of Scotland’s best examples of 1930s Art Deco architecture and is of considerable importance both to Scotland and the UK.

Over the years the Pavilion has been the hub for community activity and events in Rothesay like the annual Jazz Festival – but its condition has deteriorated and it is now in need of significant repair.

Argyll and Bute Council’s investment in it signals the authority’s recognition of the importance of the Pavilion and its potential to contribute to the overall regeneration of Rothesay and the wider Bute economy.

With a dedicated and experienced team now in place, exciting proposals will be developed to ensure a sustainable future for the building and its return to its former glory.

Councillor Len Scoullar, chair of the CHORD Rothesay Project Board said the Council was delighted by Elder & Cannon Architects’ appointment: ‘The pavilion is Argyll and Bute Council’s most important heritage asset and the professional team assembled to develop the options appraisal is highly qualified and experienced in delivering projects of this nature.

‘A vibrant, active and beautifully restored pavilion capable of attracting visitors from near and far is integral to the island’s regeneration and to the growth of its visitor economy.  The impact of the scheme will be significant’.

Tom Connolly, Elder & Cannon’s consultant architect says: ‘Elder & Cannon are both pleased and excited to be involved in the regeneration of the iconic Rothesay pavilion – one of the country’s foremost pieces of inter-war architecture’.

In the coming months, detailed technical survey work, concept plans and business planning activity will be undertaken with a preferred package of options identified by the early autumn.  This work will be presented to the public, who will have the opportunity to comment and feedback on the proposals.

Further details will be announced in due course.  The project will then be developed to detailed design stage, together with work to assemble a capital funding package.

The Prince’s Regeneration Trust was appointed as project manager by the Council at the end of last year.

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the Trust says: ‘We are delighted to be project managing the regeneration of Rothesay pavilion. The options appraisal process is now fully underway and the pavilion has great potential to contribute to the economic and social life of Rothesay, serving not only the local community but also attracting visitors from Clydeside and beyond’.

The Prince’s Regeneration Trust is acknowledged as the UK’s leading heritage regeneration specialist, delivering successful projects to communities across the UK. The Trust works to help underused or redundant historic buildings perform a new function, unlocking a regeneration of the wider community, particularly in areas of social or economic deprivation.

It works in partnership with communities, developers, local authorities and other public bodies throughout the UK.  Redundant buildings are given a viable new function which keeps them at the heart of their communities and assists with the wider economic regeneration of their local area.

Everyone wants to see a huge success made of the regeneration of this fabulous building and to see Rothesay and Bute benefit form its return to a more vigorous and capable working life.