Work begins this month on a £3.5 million transformation for Livingston’s Almondvale West Retail Park, as designed by leading architecture practice 3DReid.
Situated adjacent to one of Scotland’s largest covered shopping hubs, ‘The Centre’ in Livingston, the project will be anchored by the introduction of a new Next store, with a distinctive glass façade, which more than doubles their retail space in Livingston. The design also includes significant enhancement of the neighbouring units with faceted gold cladding, new shopfront glazing, improved public realm, and the resurfacing of the car park. All in all, the new works will allow the retail park to put itself more firmly on the map, introducing new brands to create a well-located contemporary retail destination to compete with the best.
Externally, new paving and hard landscaping will enhance the public spaces in front of the stores, whilst ‘totem’ signs – in a perforated, faceted style that mirrors the new anodic gold cladding on the buildings – will welcome visitors in the car park and guide them from the main road hubs.
The Glasgow studio of award-winning architects 3DReid was selected by Hines to give Almondvale West its 21st century facelift – and the unifying look that will link it visually to the Centre and reward visitors with a more satisfying, rounded, and enjoyable experience.
The team, who are highly experienced in the retail sector, know what makes shopping malls, parks and centres work successfully and have used their skills to develop a cost-efficient design solution that will have a dramatic impact at Almondvale West.
“3DReid has a strong track record of working with clients to remodel and reposition their retail parks to attract more customers for longer stays, increasing income. We’re incredibly proud of our success in working round a live business-as-usual environment, minimizing the impact on customers and trade.”
“3DReid aims to give a distinct and high quality finish to Almondvale West Retail Park, bringing a contemporary look-and-feel to a place which currently feels dated. The impressive glass façade and the detailed cladding offer significant aesthetic improvements that will help Almondvale West stand out from the adjacent architecture and connect it visually with The Centre.” Gordon Anderson, 3DReid Project Architect
The rejuvenation is due for completion in autumn 2018.
Hines acquired the shopping centre in December 2014 in conjunction with clients of HSBC Private Bank advised by HSBC Alternative Investments Limited.