Also from Burrell Foley Fischer, conservation architect, Faye Davies, has specialist knowledge of the repair, conservation and sensitive adaptation of historic buildings. Her projects include the Royal Hall Harrogate [Grade II*], Cinema City, Norwich [Grade 1]; and The Royal Society in their Listed Grade 1 headquarters in Carlton House Terrace, London.
Working with Stefanie Fischer and Faye Davies is a highly experienced team of engineers and quantity surveyors. All have worked on the Picture House during earlier stages of the Centenary Project. Alan Harper and Leslie Ross from Morham & Brotchie [Edinburgh] will be quantity surveyors to the project. Stuart MacPherson from Irons Foulner Consulting Engineers will be the services engineer and Steve Wood from David Narro Associates will be the structural engineer.
Jane Mayo, Chair of Campbeltown Community Business, says: ‘The Board of CCB is very excited that it has been able to assemble such an outstanding design team. The fact that such excellent specialists have committed themselves to this important project to restore and enhance our historic building, emphasises the importance of the cinema not only to its local community but also nationally within Scotland, the United Kingdom and even on the world stage.’
Stefanie Fischer, principal architect, says: ‘Burrell Foley Fischer are pleased to have been selected as architects for the Centenary Project for the Picture House in Campbeltown. We look forward to working with the team to bring the cinema up to the standards expected by a modern cinema going audience, whilst respecting the historic building in which it is housed. Through our long association with many independent cinemas throughout the UK, we are very aware of the importance of these venues to their local communities and we are delighted to be able to contribute to the future of such an historically important and much loved cinema.’
Steve Wood, Scotland’s only Conservation Accredited Engineer says: ‘This is an exciting and unusual project, not just structurally, and we are delighted to be involved with it. It is not everyday that we have the opportunity to work on such a nationally significant a building. The rejuvenation of the cinema will be of immense benefit to the immediate community and be of the first importance in the regeneration of Campbeltown.’
The Centenary Project
The Centenary Project will breathe new life into this historic building.
The unique interior will not only be restored to its former glory but also thoroughly modernised to provide an exceptional night out. Comfortable seating and an expanded kiosk will enhance the enjoyment of watching the latest digital film technology, including live downloads of opera, drama and ballet etc. Exhibition areas will also be created to tell stories of Campbeltown’s interesting history. It s hoped to incorporate a second cinema auditorium into the development.
Funding has already been promised by both Historic Scotland and Creative Scotland, carried over from the first attempt to gain Heritage Lottery funding. This time too Argyll and Bute Council have promised a significant contribution.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise have already been extremely supportive with consultant help to enable the CCB Board to reach this stage. Other trusts and foundations, like The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Pilgrim Trust, The Kilfinan Trust and locally Balure Trust and the former Civic Society, have all given or pledged funding. A Seat Sponsorship Scheme has also attracted considerable local support.