Edinburgh Architectural Association Awards 2023 – Regeneration and Strategy Award (Nomination)
Whitburn Partnership is the public face of West Lothian Council in the town of Whitburn. The project involved a substantial extension to a prominent historic building to provide a multi-functional facility including a new library, local museum, community meeting spaces and council offices.
Utilising the existing historic Burgh Halls, located prominently on Whitburn’s main street, we have carefully conserved the external fabric of the building, including its unusual clock tower, whilst also adding a large contemporary extension to the rear.
Within the extension, we have provided a large volume of useable accommodation through efficient planning. Daylighting is used to aid wayfinding in the circulation spaces and the transition between the old and new parts of the building is articulated with a glazed roof and walls to add further interest. The larger community room is a double-height space lit with a large rooflight and a handsome timber acoustic ceiling.
The new centre is enhanced by the creation of a re-landscaped public square with bench seating, trees and public art. This flexible community facility helps West Lothian Council engage with the people of Whitburn and provides valuable local resources to the town.