Awards as heart returns to Dalkeith park
The multi-million pound transformation of Dalkeith Country Park has been recognised with two high profile awards for its sensitive and effective restoration.
The project, which has transformed a 300-year-old A-listed stable block and conservatory into a shop, cafe and wellbeing lab was central to the wider redevelopment of the park for public use.
The buildings had fallen into disrepair in the decade before the start of the project in 2015.
Over the years they had multiple uses, including at one point being used as a home for retired greyhounds.
Buccleuch Property led extensive repairs and structural alterations of the partially derelict William Adam-designed stable-block and the William Burn-designed conservatory.
Now, Buccleuch Property has received the Regeneration and Conservation Award from Edinburgh Architectural Association and the Building Conservation Award at the RICS Awards, Scotland.
The project is also in the running to receive the Building Conservation Award at UK finals of the RICS Awards which will take place in November in London.
In architect Malcolm Fraser’s plans for the refurbishment, original architectural features were incorporated with contemporary extensions and floor-to-ceiling windows, to provide views across the park.
The works also included the creation of an adventure playground; the preservation and partial restoration of the orangery which was designed in 1829; and upgrades to the walking and cycling routes surrounding the buildings.
James Palmer, associate director at Buccleuch Property, says: “We are immensely proud to see our vision of protecting a listed property and encouraging and enhancing public accessibility to the park and buildings, come to fruition.
“Original methods of construction and materials were used throughout and wherever possible, original features were retained and repaired in exhaustive detail and with carefully sourced, matching materials.
“We are grateful to Historic Environment Scotland, who monitored and supported the project, providing valuable technical and strategic advice.”
The stableyard and courtyard are now at the heart of the visitor experience in the park which created more than 50 jobs when it opened last July.
Palmer says: “Since the park’s launch, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
“Forecasting predicted annual visitor numbers of 280,000 a year, but it looks as if the first year’s numbers will surpass that by about 20 per cent.
“The local community clearly remembered Dalkeith Country Park as a strong local amenity and we are thrilled to see the estate reinvigorated and providing local employment and recreational opportunities.”
In addition to the two conservation award wins, the park was also highly commended in the RICS Awards’ tourism and leisure category. Palmer says: “It is an example of how good design can have a wide reaching effect on the surrounding economic development of an area, while creating a great benefit for Dalkeith and the surrounding area.”
“We are thrilled to see the estate reinvigorated and providing local employment and recreational opportunities”
JAMES PALMER
BUCCLEUCH PROPERTY