Advocate’s Close regeneration project wins national accolade

The regeneration of Advocate’s Close in Edinburgh has received the coveted Project of the Year Award at the RICS Scotland Awards 2015.

Occupying a historic part of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the development has created a vibrant new quarter and added a new lease of life to the heart of the World Heritage site, according to the judges of the awards, which celebrate inspirational initiatives across the built environment.

RICS Awards in Scotland have continued to grow in quality, volume and stature

Chairman of RICS Scotland judging panel, Colin Smith, said: “Retaining and regenerating all of the existing buildings and restoring historical building forms resulted in a development which fits well within its impressive surroundings, whilst the contemporary additions are sensitive to the historical elements.

“It has brought a previously derelict area of Edinburgh back in to use for both tourism and leisure.”

Advocate’s Close also won the Regeneration award, which honours exceptional improvements to urban, rural or coastal areas which have contributed to the viability of the area.

Eight additional category winners were selected from the 28 shortlisted entries to the awards.

They include Glasgow School of Art, which took the Design through Innovation award, and The Battle of Bannockburn Project in Stirling which received the Tourism and Leisure accolade.

Sarah Speirs, director RICS Scotland, commented: “RICS Awards in Scotland have continued to grow in quality, volume and stature.

“This year we achieved the highest number of entries since the Awards were launched over 11 years ago, with 42 individual project entries in Scotland and over 423 entries in the UK.

“I would like to congratulate all category winners and our Project of Year, which is a fine example of how city regeneration can help restore Scottish heritage and provide for the local and wider community.”