Eyemouth Pavilions

We took an urban approach and worked with a longer stretch of the harbourfront than the original Old Fishmarket site we were given. The community clearly wanted to open up views and make better use of this central site. Our proposal was to connect the town centre, sea front and harbourfront as a natural loop within the conservation area. Instead of building one long building, we therefore proposed a series of smaller pavilions with gardens and squares in between.

The project hereby give back a large open spaces for civic usage for the town. A place to ‘see and be seen’. A much needed place for young people to hang out as much as local business to cater for the many summer guests. Typically, community centres already have space and activities in place once they commission an architects. We worked together with our client exploring what activities and functional program might work for the community and would complement and not complete with existing infrastructure. Our client took an ambitions decision with this project creating a strong landmark and open community space for their harbour – and it has landed well with the community.

As such, the new Eyemouth Pavilions on the Old Fishmarket site is much more than brick and mortar. It is offering a new type of civic space which will grow and mature with its users over the coming years. Community building and buildings are important resources for a sustainable and healthy society. Scottish towns and local high streets have become increasingly vulnerable, as larger public and commercial facilities are established in peripheries or between towns.

By diluting the local high streets and eliminating walking form our cities, we become more detached and passive from our fellow citizens. Strengthening retail and leisure facilities in our town centres is vital for local economies and have proven valuable tools for active citizenship.