ECD Conversion of Historic Church Features in LABM Magazine

ECD Architects’ Conversion of St Andrew’s Church in Fife to provide community climbing and bouldering facilities has been featured in the December edition of Local Authority Building & Maintenance (LABM) Magazine.

This is a great article as it highlights how the Church building has remained a key asset to Lochgelly despite having been empty since 2006, noting: ‘It was therefore important to the community that the church be reused, as well as that the renovations restore and retain its original features wherever possible. Developing the project design proposals, ECD Architects worked with Fife Council’s Town Centre Development Unit, its development partner social enterprise Rockgelly and Fife Historic Buildings Trust for creation of the project initial design proposals throughout the feasibility process’.

ECD was responsible for the design of the recently completed refurbishment works to create the bouldering facilities, as well as the recently approved plans for the new build extension to provide the new competition climbing wall which are now going to site.

Alistair Cameron, the Project Director at ECD Architects commented: “As a historic building within the centre of Lochgelly the re-vitalisation of St Andrew’s is very important to the town. ECD has been involved in community, commercial and housing projects as part of the regeneration of Lochgelly town centre since 2009 — a project which was winner of Placemaking and Planning Awards in both the Economic Growth and Regional awards. As a social enterprise, the new facility will bring social, health and economic benefits to the area continuing the amazing regeneration of the area.”

Once complete, the new community facility will provide a café area; multi level soft play area; bouldering wall(s); top roping and Competition standard climbing arena; viewing platform/chill out space; and washrooms.

Click to access the article directly on the Local Authority Building & Maintenance magazine website.