Aqualibrium scoops top award.

[Kintyre Forum News]

Exceptional developments are recognised today in an awards ceremony highlighting some of the best examples of planning and design across Scotland.

The Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning 2006 highlights projects for their quality designs to successful engaging of communities.

Presenting the awards, Communities Minister Rhona Brankin said:

"Planning has a key role to play in building successful communities and we're working to modernise the system to make it more efficient, inclusive and sustainable.

"The new Planning Act is a major step towards this, marking the most significant reform to Scotland's planning system in sixty years.

"But what is absolutely central to sustainable development is quality and design.

"We want to see a system that puts these factors right at the heart of development and the brilliant examples we see today show just that.

"These projects are ample evidence that quality is being incorporated into developments all across the country. They are a real tribute to the drive, talent and imagination of our planners, designers and architects in the private sector and local authorities."

This year's overall winner is an energy efficient development in Campbeltown. Aquilibrium incorporates facilities ranging from a swimming pool to playing fields, to a crèche and a restaurant in a building powered by a biomass system.

The judge's report said:

"Aqualibrium is a fantastic community facility which we hope will act as a catalyst for further regeneration in Campbeltown.

"This entry displayed good partnership working and we were impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of the team. The community were successfully involved in the process from the start which has given feeling of ownership of the project.

"The design of the building succeeds in creating a key landmark in the town. The community regeneration approach is highly commended and the effort to make something special is acknowledged. We consider the building to be sustainable and were impressed with the wood chip biomass system which is not only energy efficient but greatly assists the local economy."

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Release ... 3/08154122

[Kintyre Lad]

Do the people who ever give awards think to consult the public about what a wonderful building the Aqualibrium?

Obviously not....

What are other peoples views on the Aqualibrium?

[gers#1fan]

abysmal

[JEM]

A great facility. As you swim you have the most glorious view of Davaar Island. An excellent gym. Nice warm showers. Had a beautiful meal in the Mussel Ebb. Landscaped gardens. Benches to enjoy the sun. Picnic tables.
There's so much more - the library, Shokk bikes, steam room.....
No need to be negative, that's for sure!
I'm glad it won the award.

[swim]

Glad to see someone else is also so positive about this fantastic new facility! Some people do have very short memories and forget that we had no facility for over 5 years. I think the building is superb. Out of interest I was in the Riverside Swim and Health Centre in Dunoon at the weekend and it doesn't compare to the modern purpose built facility we have here in Campbeltown.

[foxbar]

nice to see somebody with a sense of humour giving oot awards for best architecture,they might have finished the library before the gave oot the awards, it looks like an underground car park.

[censored]

I wonder if the judge actually visited the building before making their decision?

They do actually seem to have gotten themselves sorted out at the pool now, after their initial problems. Is the heating system working properly now?

It always struck me that it would have been an ideal site to have installed a ground source heat pump, with the pipes under the green, rather than a wood chip burner.

[Tom B]

Just spent the last few days in Campbeltown, and was in the Aqualibrium 3 out of the 4 days. With 3 small children - I can't imagine a trip to the town without spending some time here - the staff are very friendly, library with good facilities for intenet access, a good corner for young readers to sit and look at books on comfy bean-bags, the pool is superb, didn't make it to the gym(!), but the cafe really good too. Bumped into many friends/relations - and excellent to see the various swimming/keep-fit clubs, that are starting up again - a real hive of activity.

If this award is partly for "building successful communities" then I think the Aqualibrium is a worthy winner.

[Kintyre Forum News]

SECOND AWARD FOR AQUALIBRIUM

Argyll and Bute Council expressed its delight this week after Aqualibrium in Campbeltown won another prestigious prize just a few weeks after scooping the top award at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning.

Aqualibrium was one of only 25 schemes from throughout Britain to receive an award at the 49th Civic Trust Awards, which were held in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

The entry was submitted by Page and Park architects and judges commented on the way in which the new build swimming pool, fitness studio, library, crèche, fitness suite and office make a significant contribution to the environment of Campbeltown.

The judges said: “Located at the edge of a park, the simple curving form hides a complex set of activities, and provides a welcome civic amenity. The building uses a simple but appropriate mix of materials which reflect the building's location between town and park.

“Light is used to great effect, with windows strategically placed throughout to exploit the wide range of views. Both hard and soft landscaping have been carefully considered, and integrate well.

“This is an extraordinary mix of uses, in a building which has gathered many civic facilities and places them with a view of the park.”

Angus Gilmour, Argyll and Bute Council’s Head of Planning, said: “This is another fantastic achievement for Aqualibrium and one which the Council is extremely proud of.

“Aqualibrium is a unique piece of architecture which provides much needed sports, leisure and community facilities. I am sure that the people of Campbeltown are also extremely delighted with this award.”

[bud]

very expensive swimming pool, that is all I can say

nice focal point for the town mind you and does look good but not much to it when you break it down