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Design competition for Edinburgh bandstand

10 Feb 17 An historic outdoor theatre in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle is to be demolished and replaced by a new structure.

Ross Bandstand is to be demolished and replaced
Ross Bandstand is to be demolished and replaced

The Ross Development Trust, in collaboration with the City of Edinburgh Council and Malcolm Reading Consultants, has launched a competition to find a design team for a £25m project to replace the Ross Bandstand and regenerate West Princes Street Gardens.

Five or more finalists who reach the second stage will create concept designs for a new landmark Pavilion, a visitor centre with café, and improvements to the listed gardens. First-stage submissions deadline is 13th March 2017.

Chairman of the Ross Development Trust and competition jury chair Norman Springford said: “This is a project for one of the most important places in Scotland and we want it to communicate the very essence of Edinburgh: a dynamic city with an unrivalled arts and cultural pedigree – a city that’s forward-looking while tuned into its history.

“We would like the pavilion to have an original design of international quality and significance that says ‘Edinburgh’.

“Designers will need to be sensitive to context and historic setting – the castle being a scheduled ancient monument, the gardens having botanical, commemorative and civic interest. But the design for the new pavilion and the wider project must also communicate Edinburgh’s creative energies and international profile.”

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WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff has been appointed to carry out a feasibility study for a new road bridge to form a gateway for improved vehicle access to help service the gardens. 

David Ellis, project director at The Ross Development Trust: “Our goal with the redevelopment of the Ross Bandstand and West Princes Street Gardens is to create a unique and recognisable venue for all to enjoy and to make it a socially inclusive centre in Edinburgh which promotes a diverse range of activities. WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff’s study will be important to help us determine what type of bridge is required for improved access to the gardens and will form an integral part in the  replacement of the Ross Bandstand.”

WSP director Gordon Allerton said: “This project in Edinburgh’s West Princes Street Gardens is a very exciting one, not just for us but for the people of the city. Our part in the project involves carrying out a feasibility study where we will look at all types of constraints from archaeology and cultural heritage to noise and vibration. This will help us to determine the best type of bridge for vehicles to access the Ross Bandstand’s replacement and its supporting amenities.”

Full details of the project and how to enter the competition are available on the dedicated website.

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