August 21 2020

A competition-winning 'urban archaeology' concept pioneered by ARPL Architects is to make its mark on Dumfries for the first time after conditional planning approval was granted for a mixed-use development comprising flats, workshops, retail and exhibition space.

The Oven is the lead element of an ambitious community-led masterplan for the MidSteeple Quarter which seeks to reimagine the High Street as a live/work hub, merging a mix of uses in a concentrated area.

To that end, the site at 135-139 High Street will play its part with a ground floor enterprise unit complemented by rental accommodation above that will make the best use of the Medieval 'rigg' land use pattern by opening up the linear plot to serve as a secondary close frontage of maker spaces, workspace and retail - complementing the narrow principle street front.

This will necessitate the demolition of the studio and its replacement by a new residential block with a prominent 'chimney' responding to the towns roofscape.

In a design statement, the architects observed: "Typically the buildings in Midsteeple Quarter have a deep and narrow plan reaching back from the High Street along narrow Closes. Over the last 30+ years large footprint retail space has been the dominant economic model for the town centre. With the recent dramatic changes in the High Street retailing this model is no longer viable – a new approach to these large street-level spaces is required."

A start on-site is expected to be made early next year. 

3 Comments

#1 Posted by Urfan on 21 Aug 2020 at 16:50 PM

Such a fantastic scheme to bring residential, retail and making/working spaces back to animate the town - definitely one to watch as a model for other places...

#2 Posted by Alex on 24 Aug 2020 at 11:24 AM

This is a great pilot scheme for how to bring the a range of uses back into the ground and upper floors in Scotland's high streets. The high street is vital to the sense of place in our towns and need to be adapted for the future. This scheme capitalises on the potential of these buildings within easy walking distance of services & public transport. The buildings have a great deal of character and its views onto the eighteenth century Midsteeple and the public space around a fountain are special.

#3 Posted by Tony Fitzpatrick on 28 Aug 2020 at 11:59 AM

One of the most exciting projects in Scotland today. From vision to approval in less than 3 years...extraordinary.... the power of community!! Well done all!!

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