Cinema lauds restoration architect after award win

Campbeltown's historic cinema was the only Kintyre winner at this year’s Argyll and Bute Design Awards.

 

Campbeltown Picture House, which this year celebrates its 110th birthday, won the Members’ Vote prize when the awards ceremony was held at Helensburgh Civic Centre on Wednesday June 21.

 

Organised by Argyll and Bute Council, the awards recognise and celebrate exceptional design across the area, with all this year's winning projects completed between 2015 and 2022.

 

Campbeltown Picture House was rewarded following a £3.5 million restoration that saw the complete refurbishment of its 1913 art nouveau exterior and 1930s ‘atmospheric’ main auditorium, as well as the addition of a state-of-the-art second screen, a café area and a flexible education/meeting area.

 

“We are so thrilled to have won this award,” said Ellen Mainwood, the cinema's manager. “The real work, of course, was done by Burrell Foley Fischer Architects which did the restoration of the building and did such a wonderful job of introducing sustainable elements to a Grade A Listed building which was no mean feat.”

 

Other 2023 winners were: Public Vote – Iona Abbey; Sustainable Design – Lochend (Bute); Under £100k – Charcoal Huts (Bute); Built Heritage – Asknish House (Lochgair); Community Led Regeneration – Rockfield; Small Scale – Taigh an Ailtire (Tiree); Large Scale – Iona Village Hall.

 

Visit the council's website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk for more information on all award winners and visit investinargyllandbute.co.uk/design-awards to view the full shortlist of projects, which includes a property renovation at Campbeltown's Barochan Place.

 

“Congratulations to all our winners,” said Councillor Kieron Green, the council's policy lead for planning. “The standard of entries this year was outstanding with fantastic innovative examples across Argyll and Bute of how design is helping to support our environment.

 

“We have a great mix of sensitive renovation of historic buildings to green business ventures and energy efficient new homes and community facilities.

 

“As we work towards achieving net zero by 2045, I hope people will take inspiration from our winning entrants and create design solutions that not only complement the amazing Argyll and Bute landscape, but also meet the highest energy efficiency standards.”