Project Title:

Clock Tower, Stonehaven

Description:

The Clock Tower is a Catergory B Listed Building situated in a prominent position  within the Conservation Area.  The Clock Tower in Stonehaven is a building at Risk of being lost.

Objectives:

To protect an iconic building in Stonehaven and to provide a sustainable use for its ongoing survival and to stimulate public interest in the built environment.

The North East Scotland Preservation Trust (NESPT) was commissioned to undertake an options appraisal study for the building.

Process/Stages:

Historic: The property  has long been recognised by officers and the local community as an underused, neglected, yet a very significant building in terms of public realm

May 2007: Brief  prepared by NESPT and put out to tender

June 2007:  Conservation Architects (David Chouman) appointed as part of a  specialist team  involving a quantity surveyor, structural engineer, and a clock specialist

July 2007: Study completed with involvement of  community stakeholders

Outcomes/Results:

·         Completed study

·         Increased officer and public awareness of iconic building

·         Costed and scheduled programme of works identified

Outputs

The completed study

• A preliminary survey of the building
• A structural survey
• Assessment of  repair and remedial work
• An estimate of remedial work
• Assessment of public access to the building
• Principal alterations necessary to adapt the building
• Identification of likely sources of funds
• A financial assessment

Learning Points:

• NESPT provides an excellent vehicle for promoting and encouraging the protection and preservation of buildings of historical and architectural merit, especially those at risk of loss.

-        Specialist Architectural knowledge

-        Potential to tap in to different sources of funding

• Appreciation of the contribution that significant historical buildings makes to  the public realm
• Adhoc and inappropriate maintenance undermines historic buildings
• The importance of  seeking alternative viable uses for historic buildings
• Community involvement important to “buy-in” to future use of building.

Contact Information:

Craig Stewart, Environment Planner (Projects), Viewmount, Arduthie Road, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, (tel 01569 768288).