Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries
| Sector: | Public Sector |
| Participant: | Fife Council |
| Location: | Abbot Street, Dunfermline |
| Capital Value: | £9.1m |
| Completion Date: | October 2016 |
| Contract Dates: | August 2016 |
| Total Users / Residents: |
The new cultural hub hopes to attract up to 280,000 visitors each year, and contribute an annual visitor spend of around £500,000 to the local economy. |
Project Information
A new extension at the rear of a retained listed façade providing museum and gallery space together with refurbishment work to the existing library.
The new extension comprised a reinforced concrete structure on large diameter bored concrete piled foundations. The extension is clad in a variety of high quality materials including ‘Corten’ steel panels, natural stone, timber and extensive glazed areas.
The public spaces are arranged over four levels including two mezzanines and linked via stairways and feature walkways.
Internally, finishes are of the highest quality with natural timber used extensively throughout. A café has been provided in addition to the learning and display areas with exhibition space provided within three flexible galleries.
The facility has been provided within the heart of Dunfermline with panoramic views of the historic Abbey. Landscaped gardens, which incorporate historic statues and seating areas, provide an attractive space for visitors and the people of Dunfermline.
AWARDS
At The Edinburgh Architectural Association Awards 2017, the project won Large Project of the Year and Building of the Year. It was the RIAS 2017 winner in the Sports/Leisure/Culture category. The project won the prestigious RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award for 2017. In addition, Fife Council received The Scottish Government Client of the Year Award for the project.
Community Involvement
Learning and participation was at the heart of the project:
Over 400 volunteers took part in activities to help deliver the new facility in time for its official opening, from 83 volunteers on the community archaeological dig, to school pupils researching first and second world war stories.
The local community responded enthusiastically to the project, leading to a successful appeal for games and toys to help tell Dunfermline’s story within the museum displays.
DCL&G will be embedded in the local community, while reaching out to new audiences, offering high quality leisure experiences and life-long learning opportunities.
Key Appointments
| Contractor: | Robertson Capital Projects/ hub East Central Scotland, BAM Construction |
| Architect: | RMA |
| Civil & Structural Engineer: | Aecom |
| Building Services: | Rybka |