Studio Octopi has won a competition to restore the Category A-listed Tarlair Open Air Swimming Pool in Aberdeenshire, Scotlan.d.

The London firm, working in partnership with Heritage Architecture, defeated bids by Scottish firms LDN Architects, Maxwell & Maxwell Maxwell, GD Lodge Architects LLP, David Chouman Architect Limited, and Fiona Sinclair Architect to win the commission.

The project will restore the John C Miller-designed pavilion at the Art Deco-style triple pool complex which has already received repairs to one of its swimming areas in recent years. It is backed by the Friends of Tarlair Community Group with support from Aberdeenshire Council.

The latest phase, planned to start on site next year, will reopen the historic pool to swimmers and transform its disused pavilion into a tearoom, social space, and workshop. A later third phase will restore the outer pool which is nearest to the sea.

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National Maritime SME Strategic partners VolkerStevin have been named as the partner that will deliver Sunderland’s stunning £31m ‘smart bridge’, a pedestrian and cyclist crossing that will connect both sides of the Wear at Riverside Sunderland. 

The bridge, which will integrate cutting-edge technology to create engaging interactive experiences for those who cross it, will be constructed by VolkerStevin – a subsidiary of VolkerWessels UK with a turnover of £1bn+ – which specialises in major infrastructure projects. As part of the contract, the company has committed to £2.6m worth of social value commitments delivering a huge boost to people and businesses in the city. 

This includes a community fund to support worthy projects that improve the cultural, heritage, educational, environmental, energy and health opportunities of local residents, as well as a commitment to employ at least 15 local people on the project. Other headlines include projects to support local people with employability advice and guidance, as well as with schools and young people. 

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