Biggar Youth Project

Biggar Youth Project is a voluntary organisation which runs activities for High School age young people in Biggar, South Lanarkshire. They support them by providing a base for a range of activities, a place to gather and access hot food, food-share, computers, games and the emotional and practical support of the volunteers and staff that run the space.

The building dates back to the late 1800s, and was formerly part of a much larger livestock auction market. Following the foot and mouth outbreak, the building was converted in 2001-2002 into the Biggar Youth Centre, with a public courtyard and surrounding apartments and shops.
Our design has seen some of the original doors, rooflights and windows reintroduced to bring more light to the interior, bringing reference to the history of the building and animating the facade facing the public realm. The building is not listed, but is within the conservation area. Due to spiralling fuel costs and the desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a particular focus has been on increasing the energy efficiency of the building.

The refurbishment has introduced significant improvements to the building fabric, thermal performance through natural, breathing materials and added renewable energy generation on the premises, as well as a rearranged and upgraded the internal layout to improve facilities and ensure that the building offers a warm, bright welcoming space for young people and others.