12 April 2017 – AECOM and Norway-based architecture practice Reiuf Ramstad Arkitekter (RRA), are one of seven teams shortlisted to create concept designs for a new landmark Pavilion and updates to the listed West Princes Street Gardens in the heart of Edinburgh. The £25m ‘Ross Pavilion’ will provide a new venue for small-scale indoor and outdoor events, as well as a space for occasional large-scale outdoor events attracting up to 8,000 people.
RPA and AECOM were chosen as part of an international search for architect-led multidisciplinary design teams. The team now qualify for the second stage of the competition and will present their concept designs for the project to Edinburgh City Council in the next couple of months. As well as designs for the Pavilion, the project includes a visitor centre, café and masterplan of West Princes Street Gardens.
The design competition sets out to replace the Ross Bandstand, which is located in West Princes Street Gardens and has hosted live music performances since 1853. Its first permanent structure was built in 1877 and replaced in 1935 by the site’s current open-air theatre, which was upgraded and extended several times throughout the 20th century.
Emily Cruickshanks, Associate Director, Buildings and Places Scotland, at AECOM, said: “The competition is a wonderful opportunity to breathe new life into this internationally important space. The Bandstand has been a centre for entertainment since the Victorian times but is not fit for purpose or safe in high winds. This project will enable the bandstand to be replaced with a new landmark Pavilion that will be a jewel in the crown for Edinburgh.”
The competition has been organised by the Ross Development Trust in collaboration with the City of Edinburgh Council and Malcolm Reading Consultants. A public and digital exhibition of the seven shortlisted designs will take place in mid-June ahead of the winner announcement, which is expected in early August. Jury members include the writer Alexander McCall Smith and architect Ada Yvars Bravo.
-ENDS-
About AECOM AECOM is built to deliver a better world. We design, build, finance and operate infrastructure assets for governments, businesses and organizations in more than 150 countries. As a fully integrated firm, we connect knowledge and experience across our global network of experts to help clients solve their most complex challenges. From high-performance buildings and infrastructure, to resilient communities and environments, to stable and secure nations, our work is transformative, differentiated and vital. A Fortune 500 firm, AECOM had revenue of approximately $17.4 billion during fiscal year 2016. See how we deliver what others can only imagine at aecom.com and @AECOM.
