building: photo © adrian welch sep 2006 with lumix camera

Bandstand Again
Design Contest announced by CEC for the Ross Bandstand site again, 3-5 to be shortlisted, 8 Jan 2007 registration deadline, more details soon


building: photo © adrian welch jan 2007

Ross Bandstand Competition
The City of Edinburgh Council wishes to select a team to prepare a design for a new outdoor performance space in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh. A scoping study was carried out to consider options for the replacement of the existing Ross Bandstand built in 1934. The study identified several options and established a budget of approximately £14m for construction works. A design competition was considered by the City of Edinburgh Council to be the most effective method for selecting the design team for this prominent site. The closing date for notes of interest re the Ross Bandstand Competition is 8 Jan 2007.

Envisaged number of participants: minimum number 3 /maximum number 5.
Deadline for entering 8 Jan 2007.
All short-listed applicants will be awarded a prize of £10 000


Ross Bandstand Project - Building PR 190406:

Ross Bandstand feasibility study for CEC: a scoping exercise to establish the brief for what will probably become a design competition/tender.

make architects


'landform'


'leaf'


'shell'

The proposals will provide a new multi-function performance space that will be capable of accommodating the scale of events, such as Hogmanay and the Festival Fireworks, that currently require a temporary stage to be built in front of the existing bandstand. A new bridge over the railway tracks is proposed so that the bandstand can be serviced directly from the back of the stage. This will avoid the significant disruption to the Gardens that is currently experienced when they have to be closed off for a week before, and after, such events.

New stair and lift access from Princes Street is also proposed to improve access for those with limited mobility or buggies.

A new, stepped, stone auditorium is proposed with a core capacity of 5000, with an additional capacity of 5000 provided by temporary seating on the new, paved, public space in front of the stage, and on re-modelled areas of grass. All of the back of house facilities for the Bandstand, and toilets, will be concealed below the stage and adjacent grass banking.


aerial view

The proposals illustrate three different approaches to the Bandstand structure which have been prepared to stimulate debate in the consultation process. Artist Keith McCarter has been working with the team on the form of the structure.

The most important aspect of the design studies is how the new Bandstand can become a positive catalyst for encouraging more life and activity in the Gardens when it is not in use for an event.

The feasibility study will now be considered by the Council, in consultation with other stakeholders, with the aim of establishing a brief for the re-development of the Bandstand.

Ross Bandstand Design Team:
Arup - Project Managers and Engineer
Ian White Associates - Landscape
make - Architects + Keith McCarter - Artist
Thomas and Adamson – Cost Consultant
Unique Events – Event Logistics



building: photo © adrian welch sep 2006 with lumix camera

Ross Bandstand Project: PR 080905

make architects, Arup and Unique Events have won an open competition, organised by the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, to undertake a scoping study to examine a range of options on how the bandstand might be redeveloped.

The project will be managed by Arup with make's Edinburgh studio leading the design with Ian White Associates and Thomas and Adamson.

The team see the study as an opportunity to identify how the Ross Bandstand can be improved as a major events venue in a way that can enhance the appeal of Gardens and its importance as a green space."

Image of the existing Ross Bandstand in Princes St Gardens courtesy of make:


Adjacent is Princes Street and towering over the site to the south is Edinburgh Castle.

Team: make / Arup / Unique Events / Ian White Assocs / Thomas & Adamson:
Competition Organisers: CEC / SEEL


building: photo © adrian welch sep 2006 with lumix camera

Related page: Morris & Steedman Edinburgh Tattoo Venue Proposal, also for this part of Princes St Gardens

Scottish Parliament




Scottish Architecture
Scottish Architects

make architects are led by Ken Shuttleworth who used to work for Foster & Partners

Edinburgh : back to index




Projects worked on by Fosters in Edinburgh include Quartermile and Scottish Gas HQ - Centrica - which was directed by Ken Shuttleworth

make architects are also involved in designing an island and tower in Granton by the harbour. The tear-drop shaped island was criticised by AD+S in Mar 2006. The nine-acre island was to feature a 30-storey hotel and luxury flats.