CASTLE SQUARE STRANRAER

Location: Stranraer

Client: Dumfries & Galloway Council

Programme: Completed 2011

This project forms part of the wider work undertaken by SSM in Stranraer as part of the Waterfront Masterplan. Jointly funded by Dumfries & Galloway Council and the Scottish Government's Town Centre Regeneration Fund, the first phase of works to transform the centre of the town were completed in 2011.

The site is located around the Category A listed 15th Century Castle of St John. Taking inspiration from the medieval and geological history of the area proposals create a vibrant civic space that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors. A simple palette of quality materials have been used within the budget consisting of granite and local whinstone. A series of grassed terraces frame the castle and this is complimented by the use of pleached hornbeam trees with their distinctive square tops.

The project incorporates the work of a number of artists into the overall scheme including dramatic feature walls, poetry and sculpture.

The surrounding roads were redesigned to create integrated pedestrian and vehicular zones that result in a low traffic speed area which combines the street into a coherent public space. Throughout the project SSM undertook a series of community consultations and presentations to ensure local involvement in this important regeneration scheme for the town.

The project won the Scottish Design Award for Public Realm/Landscaping in 2012, and the Saltire Award for Arts and Crafts in Architecture.