INCH Architecture wins UK-wide award for Inverclyde projects

INCH Architecture and Design was named winner of the Social Value prize at the Building Design’s UK Architect of the Year Awards in London.

The Glasgow-based organisation has worked alongside three community organisations in Inverclyde to help enhance quality of life for people in the area by improving their physical and mental health.

INCH played a central role in the development of Craigend Resource Centre in Greenock, which is now a bustling community hub offering opportunities for ‘meaningful social interaction’.

Craigend Resource Centre (Image: INCH Architecture and Design) Elsewhere in the town, INCH supported work at Broomhill Gardens – a community centre and training facility managed by In-Works Enterprises.

The team also worked on Parklea Branching Out’s hub in Port Glasgow, where horticulture is used to provide support to a wide range of people.

The projects were supported by Inverclyde Council, as well as the Big Lottery and Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grants Fund.

Judges said: “The practice’s founding principle of social value drives their long-standing efforts, as evidenced by thoroughly integrated design and community engagement across projects, yielding clear social impact.”

INCH director Alisdair Clements said the win is ‘great news’ for communities in Inverclyde.

(Image: INCH Architecture and Design) Mr Clements added: “Research shows that Inverclyde is home to communities that are living with multiple disadvantages - in income, employment, health and education and our work creates spaces and places which help local organisations address these issues.

“INCH led Craigend Resource Centre and Parklea Branching Out through securing funding, asset transfer of land, design and the construction process.

“Central to our methodology is ensuring long-term viability and working collaboratively with these communities and others who support them.

“Both projects support income generation and subsequently the ability for clients to reinvest in their programmes.

Parklea Branching Out (Image: INCH Architecture and Design) "The projects highlight how communities can use great design to attract new users, creating pathways to services for those who may not be contactable by other means.

“They are a model for community-led health and wealth building, and how the INCH methodology can assist our third sector clients reach their goals delivering real outcomes in their communities.”

Lesley Palmer, INCH director and project designer, said: “Broomhill Gardens broke the mould for community centre economic development – owned and operated by a charity with free and full access to the community.

“The building, designed to be physically and cognitively accessible to all, received a Scottish design award for best public health building in 2018, and is recognised as one of the few dementia friendly public buildings in the Worlds Alzheimer Report 2020 – Design Dignity Dementia.”