Prestwick Main Street

The site at 12-14 Main Street was formerly home to the County Constabulary, and this heritage was thoughtfully considered throughout the planning of the new housing.

The journey to the project’s commencement was not without challenges. Several redevelopment proposals for the Main Street site had previously been submitted, but none gained community approval. The resistance stemmed from the sentiment that, despite its derelict state, the demolition of this much-loved historic building would represent a loss for the town of Prestwick.

Following considerate and sensitive planning, LMA Architects submitted a design that was ultimately accepted. The design paid homage to the previous building in terms of scale and massing, whilst creating a feeling of familiarity in the streetscape.

Thanks to the inclusive process used to design the scheme, the project was able to go ahead using several features that would help it to blend harmoniously with the existing townscape.

The new development incorporates key elements of the original police station, with the frontage mirroring its previous form and scale. A clear building hierarchy has been established, featuring a prominent three-storey structure connected to a smaller two-storey building, reflecting the proportions and composition of the former historic site.

During demolition of the old red sandstone station, two ornately carved stone panels were removed and preserved for inclusion in the new site. They now feature proudly on the facade of the new buildings, providing a direct connection to the site’s history.

For the brickwork, the goal was to reflect the character of the red sandstone from the original site while introducing a modern twist. The chosen solution needed to complement neighbouring buildings whilst giving the development its own unique identity. The team at Bricklink were pleased to recommend the Ingles Red Multi brick, which met the brief to be distinctive yet familiar.

This brick was used across the facade, with solids used for the boundary walls and projecting headers adding decorative detailing. Its colouring is reflective of the previous site and complements the tone in the preserved stone panels now incorporated into the facade.

Generously proportioned windows echo those of the former police station, while Soladrilho terracotta sunscreen louvres, supplied in conjunction with LBT Brick & Facades, add a contemporary yet complementary aesthetic. Together with the projecting headers, they create a design that nods to the site's architectural heritage.

The completed development has been warmly received by the community, whose thoughts and concerns were carefully considered throughout the process from design through to completion.