Media release: Regeneration plan for Nairn wins national ‘Future Town’ design competition

A PLAN to revitalise the Highland town of Nairn has been voted by the public as winner of the national ‘FutureTown’ design competition.

The plan was submitted by #TeamHamish, a community organisation affiliated with Nairn Improvement Community Enterprise (NICE), and which seeks to celebrate the legacy of Hamish Hey, who passed away in February 2017.

Hamish’s parents stated on the application that “the creation of special community spaces, places and facilities for all ages and abilities to enjoy…would be an appropriate ‘Thank You’ to the community of Nairn for their continued support throughout Hamish’s illness”.

The aim of the design is also to increase the attractiveness of the town, situated on the north coast, east of Inverness, as a tourist destination.

The holistic design for the town includes a focus on both the Links area and the town centre carpark, including the renovation of the Viewfield House and grounds as an alternative attraction during inclement weather.

The design received strong public support from among a shortlisted of ten entries, which also included Drumchapel (Glasgow), Dunbar, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, Lanark, Leith (Edinburgh), Saracen Street (Glasgow), Stenhouse (Edinburgh).

Designs from Fife towns, Dunfermline and Glenrothes, received the second and third highest votes, respectively.

These entries and the full results of the vote can be viewed online at the competition webpage: https://www.scotlandstowns.org/future_town_design_comp_2018

Organised by national towns agency Scotland’s Towns Partnership, the FutureTown design competition (FTDC) is aimed at stimulating conversations, provoking ideas and encouraging new approaches to highlight what our towns could look like now and in the future.

Now in its fourth year, the FTDC has showcased a rich variety of innovative yet practical ideas promoting positive change in areas such as the local environment, the public realm and accessibility, low carbon and sustainable living, digital technologies and tourism, arts and culture, history and heritage, and health and well-being.

In reaction to the result, STP chief officer, Phil Prentice, said: “Congratulations to #TeamHamish for winning this year’s competition, and to all entrants for the original, innovative and positive thinking demonstrated in their ‘future town’ designs.

“The entries provide inspiration and show that, with the right support and partnership, communities have the know-how and desire to play a key role in shaping their futures to create thriving, inclusive spaces for all to enjoy”.

Sam Hey of #TeamHamish stated of the result: “We are absolutely delighted to have received the most public votes. This is such an honour, particularly when we see the high quality and thought that has gone into the development of the other shortlisted ideas.

“When we established #TeamHamish, we had two principle aims: to create a legacy for our son who’s life was cut tragically short; and to create places and spaces that could be enjoyed by the Community of Nairn who have supported us with so much love throughout Hamish’s journey.

“As our ideas developed, it soon became evident from the way that #TeamHamish was embraced that we had the opportunity to make a really positive impact on people’s lives from a truly devastating situation.

“Winning the Scotland’s Towns Partnership FutureTown Design Competition through a public vote has really bolstered our confidence and allowed us to take another step towards making our ideas a reality and achieve our goal of creating wonderful places and spaces for the benefit of the Nairn’s Community and its visitors.”

MEDIA RELEASE issued by Scotland’s Towns Partnership. You too can share your stories (aka press or media releases), on this site. Email here for more information.

Contact: Ewan Robertson

Email: ewan@scotlandstowns.org