Alternative proposals for Stornoway town hall

A new architecture group have published their first project as an extensive community consultation for Stornoway Town Hall.

They consulted via the campaign to save the town hall for peoples ideas to take the building forward.  There were many suggestions put forward from the public, including a waulking centre, a place to learn gaelic, a place for the youth, a place for bands and even a place for people to ‘complain about everything that can be complained about!’

From this they have drawn up proposals which can be viewed at www.alt-architecture.net.  This is hopefully going to make a big impact to show the community that there is another option and another way to take the building forward.

“Gem of Stornoway.”

Andrew Frame of Alt.architecture said:

“Alt architecture is a collaboration of three students and was set up to be a forum for discussion and debate in architecture but grounded in real life situations.”

“We consulted almost 2000 members of the community and got an overwhelming response.  Many suggestions put forward have been integrated into our design.

“The common theme of our consultation responses has been to keep the building functioning as a performance venue, and to integrate more facilities for various community groups.

“Our design approach can be seen as ‘moving the council out, and moving the community back in’”

“We have kept the original seating in the gallery, whilst inserting lifts into the building to make it fully accessible.  A coffee bar has been added with a small stage for open mic music sessions and a small recording / practicing suite for local bands.  A restaurant quality kitchen has been added to allow the hall to once again be used for weddings and large functions, and a small boutique style restaurant overlooking the harbour to make the business viable.  A centre for youth and learning facilities have been more directly linked to the public realm through this proposal.  If a plan like this is realised, the buildings use and appreciation will soar.

“The publication of this proposal is still part of a community consultation process. Our website has recently been launched displaying our proposals (www.alt-architecture.net).  We welcome all comments and suggestions to take the project forward, and we hope that people can appreciate by looking at what we have proposed that there are other ways forward for revitalising this gem of Stornoway.”

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