The Front Green is Lochgilphead’s core public space, a key part of the original composition of the eighteenth-century planned settlement. However, with rising sea levels, it was subject to regular coastal flooding. Argyll and Bute Council appointed erz to lead the project to regenerate the Front Green, informed by close dialogue with the community.
The new design of raises the level of the Front Green, in response to projections for changes to sea level and with consideration to wider flooding and drainage impacts. The new Front Green re-establishes the place as the focus of civic life, incorporating infrastructure to facilitate markets and events in a carefully considered and unique space with remarkable ‘infinity’ views down Loch Gilp.
At Ardrishaig interventions along the waterfront create a viewing deck, greenspace, and seating areas, whilst landmark artworks generate a visual link between Loch Gilp and the Crinan Canal.
Awards
- Public Realm Award, Scottish Design Awards 2023
- Streets and Spaces Award, Argyll and Bute, Scotland Loves Local Awards 2022
Client
Argyll and Bute Council
Lochgilphead Front Green
The square is defined to one edge by a linear steel and timber screen structure that helps to generate human scale and provides local wind shelter. The square is surfaced with locally quarried ‘Greenstone’, which is unique to the area and evident in historic landmark buildings in Lochgilphead and Inverary.
The Front Green now includes a new play area, a large flexible open grass space, a new active travel route, landmark signage and re-establishes an avenue of trees along the street edge. The creation of a new public square on the axis of Argyll Street responds to the eighteenth century urban design and creates a new setting for the war memorial.
Ardrishaig Waterfront
Maritime materials and nautical references at Ardrishaig create a characterful seafront for this important town at the head of the Crinan Canal. The artwork flagpoles are landmarks visible from the town, the loch, and the canal.
