Castlebank
Horticultural Centre, Lanark
Conversion
and Extension of Derelict Listed Sawmill Buildings to create Horticultural
Centre
Castlebank
Park is one of Lanark's hidden gems. This project for the Lanark Community
Development Trust involved the conversion and extension of the park's derelict
Category B-listed sawmill building and surrounding landscape to create a thriving
Horticultural Centre.
Polytunnels and raised beds were created on the park's disused tennis courts.
The area between the tennis courts and the sawmill has been landscaped as
part of the project, and the works include for improving universal access
throughout the site.
Sustainable construction and technologies are used throughout: the design
includes for a 3.5kW photovoltaic array and solar thermal hot water. Low
energy lights, high performance windows, recycled and locally sourced materials
and high standards of insulation and airtightness complete the low carbon
package.
Phase 1 was completed in 2014 and was awarded Accreditation by the Royal
Horicultural Society. The building was completed in 2019, with an opening ceremony in which
HRH Prince Charles met the volunteers and the design team and planted a tree. The project was runner up in the EU-wide 'Rural Inspiration' Awards in
2019, and was nominated for the 2020 MacEwen Awards, which are aimed at
"buildings and landscapes which present architecture for the common good,
with a clear social purpose that enhances the lives of people and the effectiveness of communities".
