Following its success in the Scottish Design Awards 2023, Prestonpans Civic Square project has now scooped a national award from the Civic Trust.
Regeneration of the square was driven by Prestonpans Community Council in partnership with East Lothian Council and the Preston Seton Gosford Area Partnership and funded through the Scottish Government's Town Centre Fund.
The Civic Trust described the project: ‘The transformation of Prestonpans Civic Square is a masterclass in thoughtful urban design, showcasing the power of architecture to revitalise community spaces while respecting history, geography, and the needs of diverse users.
This regeneration project skilfully balances functionality and aesthetics, delivering a space that is as inclusive as it is inspiring. The architectural approach excels in harmonising with the square’s historical and geographical context. By removing the elevated viewing platform and re-centring the Category B Listed war memorial, the design restores the square’s civic importance while opening-up breathtaking vistas of the Firth of Forth.
The inclusion of features like the Juliet Balcony and picture window not only enhances connectivity to the coastal landscape but also transforms previously inaccessible views into shared community treasures. By retaining and restoring the 1950s boundary walls and reusing reclaimed stone, the design minimises environmental impact while celebrating the site’s historical fabric.’
Judges said: “The project delivers a space that is not only visually striking but also profoundly functional and inclusive - a true asset to the town and its people.”
Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, Councillor John McMillan, said: “My congratulations to everyone involved in this fantastic project – another hugely well-deserved award has been achieved here. It has been wonderful to see the local community making full use of this space.”
Chris Rankin, Partner at rankinfraser said: “We are delighted that the work of the whole team on the regeneration of Prestonpans Civic Square has been recognised with a prestigious Civic Trust Award. The award is given to projects that demonstrate an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment and excellence in architecture or design whilst being sustainable, accessible and providing a positive civic contribution. East Lothian Council deserves great credit for investing in the public realm and commissioning an ambitious, design-led approach to the wider regeneration of the town, of which the new Civic Square plays an important part.”
The project involved removal of an elevated viewing platform on the west side of the square that was inaccessible to many and was no longer considered fit for purpose, as well as work to protect and conserve the war memorial designed in 1922 by William Birnie Rhind (RSA). Additional space was made available within the square (not on the existing memorial) for missing or new names.
Another aim of the project was to create a flexible public realm for community events and gatherings including Remembrance Day, encouraging users of the John Muir Way to stop in Prestonpans and to provide interpretation of the built, natural and cultural assets of the town.
The Civic Square was re-opened in December 2022, 100 years after the memorial’s unveiling.
The improvement works to Civic Square complements the heritage-led regenerative investment in the local area which includes the physical repairs to Preston Tower and Doocot, completed in 2023, construction of the new Engine Shed and planned creation of a volunteer base and regeneration of the former Bath House at Prestongrange, and the development of coordinated heritage interpretation linking various key sites to encourage the local community and visitors from further afield to engage with the area’s rich history and heritage.
For full details of the award, visit the Civic Trust Awards website.