24-04-2018
RICS Scotland Award for Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries
The £12.4 million Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries has been recognised for 3rd time after winning the Community Benefit award from RICS Scotland.
Designed by Richard Murphy Architects and built by BAM Construction, the distinctive building won the Royal Incorporation of Architects Scotland Andrew Doolan Award for Best Building in Scotland 2017, as well as Building of the Year and Large Project, from the Edinburgh Architectural Association.
Judges for the RICS Scotland Awards felt that the building has given the town its first gallery space to a standard which can accept national collection pieces and described the project as a worthy winner for bringing to life Dunfermline’s history and cultural heritage.
The museum adjoins the world’s first Carnegie library and includes a striking new glass structure. It incorporates three exhibition galleries, café, local history space and children’s library over two floors.
Work started in December 2014 and Fife Council committed £8.25 million to the project, along with £2.8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £1 million from the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust.
The work involved building a new extension at rear of retained listed façade providing museum and gallery space together with refurbishment work to the existing library.
Gary Bushnell, Chief Executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “We are extremely proud to have delivered such a vibrant facility in the heart of the community. It supports the regeneration of Dunfermline and is bringing new visitors to the town.”
Museum Curator Lesley Botten, who oversaw community engagement for the duration of the project’s development, commented: "We are delighted that we have received the RICS Community Benefit Award 2018 – the project to develop DCL&G was always, for us, about involving the community in the development of their venue.
“We worked with so many schools, community groups, individuals and volunteers over the life of the project and they all helped make the venue what it is. The Award is a testament to the work of the Project Team and to every one of the local people who helped us. The ongoing community benefit of the venue is apparent every day in the number of locals who enjoy DCL&G's many varied facilities: It has become a real hub for people to gather, to participate, to study, to relax, and to feel part of."
The facility provides panoramic views of the historic Abbey from within the heart of Dunfermline. Landscaped gardens, which incorporate historic statues and seating areas, are an attractive space for visitors and the people of Dunfermline.