Narro Associates were involved with the redevelopment of the 19th century, Category A listed, former sheriff court and offices into a new world class visitor attraction including exhibition spaces, café and retail space.
The works consisted of refurbishment of the two existing court buildings, the North and South Tower, including a new roof top viewing terrace over the South Tower. These works involved strengthening the floors and forming new openings through the walls to create exhibition spaces and service routes. Careful conservation of the building fabric was required throughout.
The two existing buildings are linked together with a new exposed concrete and glass link structure. The link building was formed over an historic well within the courtyard between the North and South Towers, the well has been conserved and retained as a feature within the building. The link building required several accessible service routes under the floor structure which would link the mechanical and electrical plant for two buildings together.
A new external viewing terrace to the West with an outlook over the River Ness was constructed on strip footings at the top of the existing embankment, this required a carefully planned and detailed methodology to ensure the works could be carried out safely.
The external works around the buildings on Castlehill include a new sustainable urban drainage system for the surface water and soft landscaping which encourages growth of native plant species to make the outdoor areas an accessible and inclusive visitor attraction.
We worked closely with LDN Architects, Harley Haddow, OPEN, & EFLA Kevin Shaw Lighting Design to coordinate the design, and with the contractor, Bancon, to ensure successful delivery of the project.
