West Lothian's most exciting venue for arts performances, music, dance, drama, exhibitions, classes and food.

NEWS Howden Park Centre Named "Building of the Year"

West Lothian's premier arts venue Howden Park Centre has received a top architectural accolade from the Edinburgh Achitectural Association (EAA) - the stunning arts centre has been awarded the title "Building of the Year".

The prestigious award was presented to architects Nicoll Russell Studios at a ceremony on 1 April. 

West Lothian Council funded the £6 million redevelopment of Howden Park Centre with a grant of £1.29 million from the Scottish Arts Council.

West Lothian's major arts venue, Howden Park Centre reopened in June 2009 following a redevelopment that created a 296 seat auditorium, multifunction spaces dance studio, a workshop and new office space for Firefly Youth Theatre and a new stylish bistro with views across the park.

The annual award attracted more than 40 entries that were narrowed down to a short list of 12 ranging from house conversions, a new church, new hotels to apartment and office blocks. 

Robert Black, President of the Edinburgh Architectural Association, said: "It is gratifying and encouraging that the profession continues to achieve such a high standard of architecture across a wide variety of building type."

Councillor Jim Walker, Executive Councillor for Culture and Leisure said:   "West Lothian Council is delighted that Howden Park Centre has been awarded this prestigious architectural award.   Given the quality of the competition we are delighted that Howden Park Centre has been named Building of the Year. "

Scott Turpie of Nicoll Russell Studios said: "All at Nicoll Russell Studios are delighted that the efforts of the project team and West Lothian Council have been recognised in this way. Although our practice works throughout the UK and has completed a number of successful projects across the country, the commitment to enhancing community development through access to the arts, as demonstrated here by West Lothian Council, has in our experience been a unique and defining feature of the project. Feedback from visitors to the building has been tremendous and we wish all at Howden Park continued success for the years ahead."

Councillor Walker added: "West Lothian Council is justifiably proud to have made significant investment in three buildings where people can experience arts whether they want to be part of an audience for performances, take part in classes or just enjoy being in a stunning arts venue.  Following on from the refurbishment of Bathgate's Regal Community Theatre and ahead of the reopening of Linlithgow Burgh Halls, the redevelopment of Howden Park Centre has created a first class venue attracting more than 50,000 visitors in its first year."

Background: All shortlisted buildings were visited by a judging panel made up of Robert Black, President of the Edinburgh Architectural Association, Professor Andrew MacMillan OBE, leading landscape architect Eelco Hooftman and Ian Stewart, EAA Council Member.  Awards were made in three categories: Building of the Year; Conservation and Regeneration; and Small Project.

For more information: www.eaa.org.uk (new window) or www.nrsarchitects.com (new window)
 

Date Published: Tue Apr 06 16:03:40 BST 2010