Keppie appointed for Kilmarnock regeneration initiative
10 June 2013
The KLIN Group has appointed international design company Keppie as architects to regenerate the site of a former bottling plant in Kilmarnock.
The KLIN Group’s proposals are community-based in education, health, community sports and culture, with an opening-roof arena that would provide a year-round, town centre venue for sporting, conferencing and entertainment events. The development would feature premises and facilities for enterprise, entrepreneurs and start-up businesses, driving a new economy for Kilmarnock and East Ayrshire but serving a much wider area with components that would be unique in Scotland.
Keppie – selected after submissions from five short-listed architects - will work within The KLIN Group’s specialist team researching, planning and financing the Ayrshire town’s largest single regeneration initiative. Keppie’s inspiring interpretation of The Klin Group’s vision for the site and the breadth and depth of their international experience were key factors in their choice as partners.
Marie Macklin, Chairwoman of The KLIN Group, said: “Regeneration on this scale is challenging, but we need to be ambitious and confident in making the most of this opportunity to create something that will inspire and give Kilmarnock – recently named Scotland’s Creative Town – something special and unique in Scotland.”
David Ross, Design Director from Keppie, said: “We are thrilled to be appointed to work with such dynamic and passionate entrepreneurs as The KLIN Group and helping to shape a new phase in the transformation of Kilmarnock.”
The Klin Group has an exclusivity agreement with Diageo, the current owners, in order to come forward with plans to redevelop the cleared site at Hill Street. Discussions with community organisations and local and national commercial and business interests are under way.
Further enquiries:
Kirstin Stevenson, Spreng & Co: kirstin@sprengandco.com
T: 0141 548 5191 Mob: 07803 970106
Notes to editors:
The Klin Group, established in 1988, is a privately owned entrepreneurial investment Company based in Kilmarnock. The company’s focuses on regeneration initiatives in Scotland and in property investments overseas.
Keppie is a multi-disciplinary practice, offering services in architecture, town planning, interior design, landscape architecture and urban design and has extensive experience in the healthcare, education, commercial and retail sectors. The firm works internationally for a diverse range of prestigious public and private sector clients.