5 – 9 Bridgend

The project includes the subdivision of an existing shop to form two retail units, and the conversion and refurbishment of the rear premises to form three self-catering holiday cottages. The shop was most recently used as a café, which extended into the rear outbuilding, along with a series of seating areas, stores and a kitchen, all overlooking a private courtyard. It is located near The Square in the centre of Aberfeldy, and within the Aberfeldy Conservation Area.

The project was able to go ahead after receiving a significant funding grant from Perth & Kinross Council’s Commercial Property Regeneration Fund, which the practice assisted the client in securing, with construction commencing in December 2020.

Each retail unit is provided with kitchen facilities, accessible WC and associated services, while the mix of 1 and 2-bed holiday cottages each feature a kitchen, living & dining area, and shower room. The development also included the replacement of all external windows and doors throughout the property, including those to the flat above.

The practice had worked successfully with the client in 2014 for the conversion of two shops on the same street, and it was upon this basis that they were commissioned for the 5 – 9 Bridgend project. To retain and maintain this important High Street shop premises, the client needed to diversify and create different income streams, hence the provision of new holiday accommodation units to the rear, separated from the street front retail units.

We were delighted that the project was shortlisted for the Dundee Institute of Architects Awards 2021, in the Best Small Project – Non-Domestic category.