September 11 2023

A ruinous B-listed mansion near Wishaw in North Lanarkshire has found its perfect match under plans by Block Architects and local entrepreneur Nicole Rudder to transform it into a wedding venue.

Under the plans Garrion Tower, currently on the Buildings at Risk Register, will be fully refurbished with the addition of two flanking new build extensions offering an events space for up to 160 guests as well as a champagne bar and rooftop terrace.

Tracing its origins to the 17th century but largely dating from the 19th century in its present configuration the impressive pile will become a nine-bedroom heritage hotel joined by new build extensions hosting modern reception facilities. Linked by light touch glass connections to delineate old and new the proposals make use of a green roof above the planned function hall to marry with the landscaped gardens, offsetting 150 new houses which will surround the tower on three sides under a separate approval.

In a press statement, Bruce Scotland, senior architect's assistant at Block Architects, wrote: "This extensive restoration, refurbishment and expansion project aims to utilise the existing site and surrounding grounds of Garrion Tower to create a sheltered, luxurious wedding venue that showcases the natural environment through affording unrestricted views across the landscape.

"By way of comprehensive design evolution, a clear vision for the site has been established. This includes for a distinct development of appropriate siting, scale, density, form, height and massing in respect to the existing Garrion Tower – creating a scheme that is easy to move around, attractive to pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities and is also integrated within existing green networks."

Large areas of glass on the proposed extensions will be broken by vertical timber-clad fins, with walls of natural stone and zinc cladding. 

7 Comments

#1 Posted by SneckieMun on 11 Sep 2023 at 13:44 PM

Deary me. Was this previously designed as a standalone building that they've just plonked onto a B-Listed building? Not to mention, the large function suite looks like a 90s Ramada Jarvis.

#2 Posted by PondJamesPond on 11 Sep 2023 at 14:45 PM

@SneckieMun no need to be so negative. The design is great and I think it will be great for Wishaw and its environs. Unlike many projects displayed on UR the visualisations are excellent - they clearly spent a lot of time on them and had good oversight from a senior. FYI myself and the wife had our wedding reception at the Ramada Jarvis off the A726 in 1997 and we're still going strong so nothing wrong with it.

#3 Posted by G42C on 11 Sep 2023 at 15:13 PM

Commendable effort and good to see an old building being brought back to life.

#4 Posted by Chris Magnus on 11 Sep 2023 at 15:59 PM

I liked it better the way it was when I lived in it with my Gran, parents, brother and sister between 1954 and when we left. About 1970. It was a fantastic family home in good condition up until then.

#5 Posted by cara on 11 Sep 2023 at 17:12 PM

Still looks better than the monsterous things attached to Meldrum House Hotel...

https://www.urbanrealm.com/news/6227/Lippe_Architects_mark_completion_of_%C2%A34.5m_Meldrum_House_Hotel_extension.html

#6 Posted by Scott Meechan on 11 Sep 2023 at 19:55 PM

Looks great really looking forward to this opening up.

#7 Posted by Cycling Registrar on 12 Sep 2023 at 08:52 AM

At last! Someone’s read my emails!

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