Bellsbank

Project Description

Bellsbank is a rural, former coal mining community that has suffered heavily from the loss of the local industry. It has consistently fallen into the category of the 0-5% most deprived communities in Scotland.

Despite a wonderful landscape setting at the head of the Doon Valley overlooking the Bogton Loch (SSSI), the physical appearance and condition of the housing stock had become dilapidated and forbidding. The original dry-dash cement render had blackened over time and the ad hoc patching of exposed brickwork had resulted in a mottled effect.

Bellsbank comprises around 600 homes. Of these some had already been re-rendered and insulated, and some had been sold under right-to-buy. A total of 211 council-owned houses were identified for refurbishment and we seized the opportunity to implement a more innovative and holistic approach to housing stock improvement.

The idea to bring colour to Bellsbank was conceived locally and received support from the Scottish Civic Trust initially via Mark Gibson of the Craigengillan Estate, which is connected to Bellsbank by a network of footpaths and is a great asset to the local community. We embraced the concept and saw that alongside the physical improvements to the quality and energy efficiency of our housing stock we might introduce other initiatives, which collectively we called our, “health and wellbeing programme.”

We were supported in the creation of the colour scheme by the architect Ed Taylor, also a Trustee of the Scottish Civic Trust, who investigated various render systems and colour palettes, working closely with our technical team and suppliers. Alongside the relatively limited dry-dash palette we introduced a silicone render system to broaden the colour spectrum, with some additional cost but with significant visual benefits. Scores of sample panels were produced and from these a range of twelve complementary colour finishes was arrived at by consensus.

The project wasn’t without risk. In a typical render programme residents may be invited to choose a single finish from two or three options to be applied across an entire phase to keep the process simple and streamlined. At Bellsbank a carefully considered colour plan was devised and illustrated on specially drawn street elevations as a basis for individual confirmation or modification. Around 15% of residents requested colour changes from the palette, which generated a strong sense of ownership whilst being administratively manageable and which had the added benefit of providing a talking point for a broader engagement with residents on an individual basis.

Housing Asset Services has successfully delivered housing improvements over recent years but recognised that a truly holistic approach could make real differences to the health and wellbeing of our citizens while regenerating communities. The unique, innovative and collaborative approach at Bellsbank, with residents engaged and empowered from the outset, has seen a transformational effect.

The improvements have not only been felt in the dramatic visual enhancement of the village but also in tackling social isolation and loneliness, fuel poverty, food insecurity, wellbeing and connectedness. Not a “fabric first” approach but “people first.”