Asset Transfer

Newmilns Regeneration Association have applied to East Ayrshire Council to asset transfer the derelict building. The asset transfer is dependent on a robust business plan, successful grant funding and support from the local community.

The proposed use of the new building must be self-sustaining in order to be considered for an asset transfer to the NRA.

History of the Site at 2 Brown's Road

Brown's Road is part of the Irvine Valley Walking Trail and the Irvine Valley Loop cycle route, as well as being a favourite route for local walkers and dog walkers, being near the entrance to Lanfine Estate and entrance to the river walk to Darvel.

The existing building is in poor condition and not capable of re-use in it's current state. NRA are of the belief that this prominent site should be brought into community use, rather than demolished or left to deteriorate further.

Although not within the Conservation Area, the site borders it and is adjacent to the Category B-listed Lamlash House. It is therefore proposed that any redevelopment plan acknowledges the history of the site and its proposed future use.

The site has in interesting local history and sits in front of the former houses at Stewart's Place, or "Bedlam" as it was more commonly known. The housing was constructed for navvies who built the railway to Darvel prior to 1850 and uses included Willie Deans' Tailor Shop, then latterly an office for Egoheat heating engineers. Laterally, the cottages and sheds on the site were used as stores and workshops.

The nearby Brown Street was home to many of the former weaving mills where Newmilns historically became a centre for the lace industry.

Location

Main Street (highlighted Blue) - site lies south of Newmilns' Main Street and the River Irvine

Lamlash House (highlighted Orange) - local events space and wedding venue

Riverside Inn (highlighted green) - local bar and restaurant

Sunpath (shown Yellow) - line denotes the position of the sun during the day

Views to Lanfine Gardens (shown green) - the site enjoys views towards Lanfine gardens and estate. View to the historic railway line which was once connected to Newmilns and Darvel

Car Park (shown Pink) - Proposed new car park by Ayrshire Roads Alliance to the south of the building indicated. Car parking layout indicative only. Refer to AECOM drawing no. 60613195-SHT-C-PLAN-0002 & East Ayrshire Council Planning Application ref. 21/0062/PP for further information.

The junction adjacent the site is the start of several walking routes around Lanfine Estate and beyond. Brown's Road forms part of the Irvine Valley walking trails. The trail begins from Hurlford travelling into Loundoun Hill, through the River Irvine followed by Darvel, Newmilns and Galston.

Our Proposal
Our proposal aims to replace the dilapidated shed which currently occupies 2 Brown's Road. This would include a large flexible space, an accessible WC and a store area.

The planned redevelopment of the adjacent car park would provide parking spaces with electric vehicle charging.

The hall would have a flexible open plan layout to suit different uses. Suggested uses could be a cafe space featuring local produce with local artwork displayed on the walls, studio space for artists and creators; lace and weaving museum, local history museum, community hall or meeting room, fitness & wellness, work spaces, walking centre, bike repair shop.

Massing

The proposed new building would match the existing with a large vaulted ceiling internally with exposed timber scissor roof trusses. The number and size of the existing openings have been replicated. The faux stainless steel "chimney" replaces the masonry chimney.

Materials

The building is clad in a coloured corrugated iron cladding and aluminium framed windows. Industrial materials have been selected throughout reflecting Newmilns' industrial past.

Corten Steel Sliding Screens
An integral part of the design includes sliding corten steel screens to the large south facing window. The screen is perforated with a Flemish bond pattern acknowledging the Flemish refugees who brought the art of handloom weaving to the area. This would create a dramatic pattern of light and shadow internally as the sun sets. The screens can provide privacy, security and transparency when required.

Renewable Energy

The use of renewable energy would be explored in the design including solar panels, renewable heating system etc.

Community Consultation - Sat 19th November 10am - 1pm

A Community Consultation was held in the CHaT Hub, 4 Brown Street, Newmilns on Saturday 19th November 2022, between 10am and 1pm to allow the community to review the proposals and provide their input.

We will also be displaying the proposals on the Tin Shed itself, on the community notice boards and at the Newmilns Christmas Fayre on Saturday 3rd December between 4pm-6pm. The plans will also be on display at our AGM in the CHaT Hub on Wednesday 23rd November at 7.30pm. Paper surveys will also be available to complete at these venues, or from the CHaT Hub, 4 Brown Street.

Survey

NRA are also running a community survey which will be shared digitally on our social media pages or you can take part here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexhfkhzI2LfsrClWuWQjRBXLg2PKwCmlN3MhnMYom3xorpmA/viewform?usp=sf_link

This event does not form part of a Planning Application and is to obtain the views of the local community. If the asset transfer is successful, NRA will subsequently submit a Planning Application. There will be an opportunity at that stage to make any formal representations to East Ayrshire Council.

Consultation Presentation - OCCAM Architects Ltd

Working in partnership with local company OCCAM Architects Ltd, a consultation document has been prepared. The document is available to download below and will also be on display at the AGM on Wednesday 23rd November at 7.30pm in the CHaT Hub, 4 Brown Street, or at the Christmas Fayre in the Morton Hall, on Saturday 3rd December between 4pm and 6pm.

Much of the above information and images has taken from the Consultation Presentation prepared by OCCAM Architects Ltd.

Click below to download the full Presentation:

Email: hello@lovenewmilns.org or message our Love Newmilns facebook page if you have any questions.