Emergence of the new Artist Centre

A lot has happened on the Artist Centre construction site over the last 4 months, and as we excitedly wait for the fast approaching completion date Project Manager Catharine Kidd gives us a progress update....

With just three months to go before the opening of the new Artist Centre at Cove Park in July, the building has really taken shape and form since the last blog.  The building envelope is complete, and it is now possible to get a real sense of what it will look like from the outside with the cladding, black metal roof and large picture windows.  The spaces that have been created inside have been taking our breath away with the views that they are capturing, as is the volume and flow of the spaces.   Over the next couple of months the larch cladding will be finished, the internal finishes will be completed, the new biomass boiler installed, electrical works and plumbing completed as well as the new car parking areas laid.  Cove Park are busy preparing furniture lists and making all important decisions on kitchen taps and worktops ready to furnish and fit-out the new centre in June.

A view from the new building within the treeline from the existing pods.

New studios and accommodation at the end of the new building with warm larch cladding, and windows out across Loch Long.

View of the west and south elevations showing the majority of the new Artist spaces (from left end of the    building – studios and accommodation, offices, meeting room (on the corner), snug and dining area, and part     of the common room. 

View from new entrance area to snug (left) and the new meeting room (right).

Its official! 'Construction of Cove Park's new Artist Centre begins'

Today we announced our delight that the construction of our new Artist Centre had begun and is due for completion in April 2016.

The £1.4 million capital project is funded by Creative Scotland and a number of trusts and individuals, including major awards from the Robertson and the Monument Trusts. The new Centre has been designed by architects CameronWebster and is being built by Clark Contracts for Cove park's expanding programmes of artist residencies and public events, with spaces for workshops and performances and comfortable communal space for visitors. 

The build includes two accommodation units and two studios, which will increase Cove Park's capacity to twelve and allow a greater diversity of residencies for individuals and groups.

The Centre will be fully disabled accessible, is designed on sustainable principles and enables Cove Park to host residencies and events all year round. The orientation of the new building will maximise views across Loch Long, so that visitors and artists will for the first time be able to enjoy Cove Park's spectacular west coast setting in all weathers.

Chair of Cove Park's Board, Seona Ried said:

"This is an exciting time for Cove Park. The Centre will offer facilities for artists and the public that will enhance our growing international reputation as a centre of excellence for the arts."

Lesley MacDonald of the Robertson Trust said:

"The Robertson Trust supports projects and activities which widen access and increase participation in all forms of artistic activities for people throughout Scotland. We are delighted to support this new phase in the history of Cove Park." 

Abraham Cruzvillegas, recipient of the Hyundai Commission at Tate Turbine Hall and Cove Park resident in 2008 said:

"Cove Park's residency programme has been crucial as it provided me not only with lots of freedom in terms of the development of my practice, but also an immense experience of learning and sharing with others."