United Distillers Building, News, Proposal, Design, Archial, Demolition, HQ, Scotland
United Distillers Edinburgh : Information + Images
Scottish + Newcastle Building, Ellersly Rd, Edinburgh by RMJMOutrage : United Distillers Demolition 
 photos © Adrian Welch from 20 Feb 2010 Press Release from Archial, 25 Feb 2010 Demolition of Balfour Stewart House Paves Way for Archial's £35Million Residential Development Proposal in Murrayfield "The demolition of the obsolete [Ed. what justifies the use of the word obsolete?] Balfour Stewart House office building in Murrayfield, Edinburgh paves the way for a proposed new £35 million residential development on the site designed by Archial Architects, one of the largest architecture practices in Scotland and the UK. The proposed Northern Trust development will respect the characteristics of the conservation area within which it is situated and retain important features, such as the high stone wall surrounding the site and mature trees within it. Cameron Walker, director at Archial Architects, said, "The design solution for the site demonstrates an understanding of the location and its relationship with the adjacent and wider area. "The site layout balances the level of development against the need to retain mature trees and the high stone wall. The visual appeal of the proposed development responds to the conservation area and adds to the character of the area. "Mature trees act as a focus for open space within the development
and the area of designed landscape in the south of the site will
be retained, reflecting the former use of the site as a flagship
office building"." 
 
 
 United Distillers Images available on Canmore : RCAHMS visited the building before it came down and made a record of it. 2 Mar 18 Feb 2010 Highly controversial demolition of brilliant Balfour Stewart House in Murrayfield, west Edinburgh - a classic building by RMJM. More details online soon. Although Balfour Stewart House could be described as a 'rough diamond' the demolition is regrettable. The quality of materials and details inside (especially the board room) was high, and the stepped facades to the south showed a strong articulation. One of the weaker elements (more Postmodern than the southern elevations) was the entrance, shown fading away in the photo below. United Distillers HQ photo from 18 Jan 2010:  photo : Matthew Ansell Comments re United Distillers HQ demolition welcome: info@edinburgharchitecture.co.uk More photos © Adrian Welch from 20 Feb 2010 
 
 
 Archial Wins Planning Consent for £35m Residential Development in Murrayfield, Edinburgh 2 Oct 2009 Archial Architects, one of the largest architecture practices in Scotland and the UK, has won planning consent from City of Edinburgh Council for its proposal to replace the now obsolete Balfour Stewart House office building in Murrayfield with a new £35 million residential development.  The Rumney Manor development will respect the characteristics of the conservation area and retain important features, such as the high stone wall surrounding the site and mature trees within the site. The development, which remains subject to conservation area approval from Scottish Ministers, will consist of 72 homes, comprising 16 duplex apartments and 56 flats. There will be 22 family homes and 18 affordable dwellings and of the 125 car parking spaces provided across the site, all but seven will be underground. Speaking in support of the proposals at the Planning Committee meeting, local Conservative Councillor, Cllr Jeremy Balfour said, "I am delighted that the Rumney Manor redevelopment proposals for Balfour Stewart House were approved by the Planning Committee. "Throughout the whole process, Rumney Manor and Archial Architects have consistently consulted with the local community and responded promptly to all concerns and questions raised by constituents. I am particularly impressed with the developer's commitment to sustainability and the high quality of open space amenity which the development will enjoy." Cameron Walker, director at Archial Architects, said, "The design solution for the site demonstrates an understanding of the location and its relationship with the adjacent and wider area. "The layout of the site, meanwhile, balances the level of development against the need to retain mature trees, the high stone wall, an understanding of the site's topography and conservation area characteristics and accessibility to public transport. The site's appearance responds to the conservation area and adds to the characteristic of houses responding to their individual setting. "Mature trees as a focus for open space within the development. The area of designed landscape in the south east of the site will be retained. This reflects the former usage of the site as a flagship office building and will add character to the landscape surrounding the new residential development." The Archial Group Plc employs 170 staff in Scotland, operating from offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness. United Distillers Redevelopment Comment: Where is Scottish Architecture going? Long gone are the optimistic days of the nineties when Lottery funding was providing opportunities for good solid buildings. In recent months we've seen big problems at The Lighthouse and even the RIAS has removed its (albeit small) exhibition space. And the credit crunch has postponed or killed off major projects of course. But even in a recession we should be able to follow a basic rule: only replace buildings with better buildings. Scottish & Newcastle Offices 
 photos © Alastair Cook 2007 Highly controversial move to demolish brilliant RMJM-designed former S+N Headquarters United Distillers Redevelopment News Update Rumney Manor Ltd resubmitted plans by Archial Architects for demolition of existing offices & erection of 80 flats at 33 Ellersly Road, West Murrayfield, Edinburgh. 33 Ellersly Road - Balfour Stewart House 1981 Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall and Partners Location: West Murrayfield Conservation Area S+N: Edinburgh Building - Links United Distillers Redevelopment : Further Information  photo © Alastair Cook 2007 United Distillers Building redevelopment : SMC Hugh Martin Architects Scottish + Newcastle HQ architects : RMJM Key RMJM Building in the city: Scottish Parliament with EMBT Scottish & Newcastle : Office proposal |
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