Black Bull Close

Gallery of Images

Before: Photograph of Site

View from Garden

Drop In Centre

Multi-Purpose Space

Engaging with the Community

Local Trainees Developing Traditional Constructions Skills Through Hands-on Involvement in the Repair and Adaptation of the Site

Project Description

The Black Bull Close project involved the detailed repair and extension of a group of Category B listed historic buildings accessed through a close behind 72-74 High Street in Dunbar, in the centre of the town’s conservation area. The buildings were included on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland and were largely ruinous at the inception of the project in 2017. The Ridge SCIO, a local community interest charity, took over the lease of the buildings with a vision to restore, repurpose and revitalise them for community benefit while creating local jobs and training opportunities.  

Simpson & Brown were appointed by The Ridge and started by carrying out a comprehensive condition survey and feasibility study for the site at this time. Beyond providing much-needed meeting and workspace for The Ridge, the project also aimed to provide community activity spaces.  A series of consultations within the client body and the local community helped us understand the requirements, informing the brief and design proposals. The feasibility study also helped to play a pivotal role in securing funding for the development from East Lothian Council, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) amongst others.

The design process for the project started with a heritage assessment report and archaeological investigation undertaken by Simpson & Brown’s in-house team. Their research helped identify parts of the building where sensitive alterations could be made that preserved the building’s significance and setting within the conservation area.

There were obstacles to negotiate during the project including the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic and challenges presented when attempting to balance heritage conservation with modern considerations of building consents. These challenges were met head-on, and as a result a respectful re-build/new build extension was achieved that is compliant to various regulations of accessibility, thermal performance and ecological response.

The Ridge SCIO also made the decision to undertake the construction work of the project in-house as it has a strong dedication to support those in need and create training opportunities in traditional construction skills. The Black Bull Close project acted as the pilot venture for the organisation to demonstrate what a community group can achieve when combined with a dedicated design team and generous funders who believe in the vision of the organisation. The project was realised by, and used as a vehicle for, trainees to hone their skills, ultimately delivering a building and garden space that will benefit the local community and a variety of social groups including Jobcentre Plus, Debt Advice, Social Services, Addiction Support and Rape Crisis, whose services are now accessible locally.

The project at Black Bull Close demonstrates how historic preservation and community empowerment can work together to achieve remarkable results. Through a collaborative approach, new life has been breathed into neglected buildings while fostering a sense of pride and ownership within the local community.

Supporting Statement

We have nominated The Black Bull Close project as it is a great example of a community-led project that keeps local people, place and heritage at its core. The project demonstrates how a community organisation can transform neglected historic buildings into a vibrant, inclusive resource that responds directly to the need of the local population and those further afield.

The Black Bull Close project began with a group of at-risk B-listed buildings, hidden behind Dunbar High Street. In 2017 The Ridge SCIO took over the lease of these buildings. Rather than seeing these crumbling and overgrown buildings as a liability, the community recognised their potential. The Ridge developed a plan: to restore and repurpose these buildings for the benefit of community, and by doing so, create training and employment opportunities, particularly for those who are often excluded from mainstream paths into work. 

At every stage, the project maintained its core value of being shaped by and for the community it serves. This included extensive consultations with The Ridge’s staff, volunteers, trainees and local partners to ensure the proposals would respond to identified needs for the community. The new and conserved/adapted buildings at Black Bull Close now provide a drop-in centre, consultation rooms, a training kitchen, workshop, offices and flexible community spaces. The building now functions as a hub supporting a wide range of local organisations and services such as Jobcentre Plus, debt advice, social services, addiction support and rape crisis provision – all accessible now within the town centre. 

Community empowerment was central not only to the building’s end use; it was also key to its delivery. The development of the project acted as an opportunity to enable local trainees to develop traditional constructions skills through hands-on involvement in the repair and adaptation of the site. This approach fostered pride, ownership and confidence, while demonstrating how heritage-led regeneration can deliver tangible social outcomes.

Accessibility and inclusion were also key priorities throughout the project. Through careful design - including level access, a passenger lift and centrally located accessible WC - almost all spaces are fully accessible, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can use and enjoy the building. The Black Bull Close project was able to maintain a delicate balance between sensitive conservation and the requirements modern building standards.

Despite its challenges, including the Covid 19 pandemic and the complexities of working with listed buildings, the close partnership between The Ridge, design team, funders and the wider community ensured that was the project was both successful and impactful. 

The Black Bull Close project illustrates how a determined community, supported by specialists’ expertise and public funding, can rescue buildings at risk and reshape them into lasting assets. The project has breathed new life into a neglected corner of Dunbar, strengthened local services and created a deep sense of collective pride. For these reasons, we believe that The Black Bull Close would be a worthy nominee for the My Place Awards.