Ayr-based firm ARPL Architects have won a design competition for a town centre regeneration project in Dumfries.

The Midsteeple Quarter competition was launched by community arts body the Stove Network and the Glasgow Institute of Architects in March.

The initiative invited architectural concepts to be submitted for the the Midsteeple Quarter of Dumfries High Street, reimagining the urban core of Dumfries.

Crowning ARPL as the winner, competition judges said: "A good architectural concept embracing affordable retail and craft spaces, learning and community spaces and viable residential accommodation. The scheme gave real consideration to the cross section through the urban block with a variety of typologies addressing each edge condition. The layering of typology allows for the housing in the core of the block that would feasibly attract a range of people, including families, to work, live and play in the town centre while business units activate the existing townscape with the utilisation of the High Street frontage for specialist local retailers.


"We thought the scheme promoted an urban archaeology to rediscover and utilise the heritage of the organically grown buildings of the back court of the block and that the lightweight additions create a new landscape and built form along the existing feu lines, but at a density and scale that is appropriate to Dumfries.

"We felt confident that the scheme would bring people and business to the area and would breath a new life and vibrancy to the mid steeple quarter."

Second place was awarded to Andie Cooke, Megan Ward, Cara Brunton and Ashley Mitchell, while third place was won by Pioneer Landscape Architecture.

The designs will go on display at The Stove in Dumfries from 09 -20 June, as well as at the South Block in Glasgow between 30 June – 12 July.

To view all 15 design submissions, visit here.

(LM)