Gannochy Trust Lifetime Neighbourhood wins commendation at RTPI Awards

The Gannochy Trust’s Lifetime Neighbourhood in Perth, designed by Glasgow architecture firm Anderson Bell + Christie, has won a commendation in the ‘Best Project’ category at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards, which were announced on June 16th.

The RTPI are a Chartered Institute responsible for maintaining professional standards in town planning, and accrediting world class planning courses nationally and internationally. The Awards for Planning Excellence celebrate outstanding plans, projects and people that demonstrate the power of planning. The awards continue to recognise and reward the brightest talent in the profession; the most outstanding projects, teams and people helping to transform economies, environments, and communities.

Judges were impressed with the vision that drove the Lifetime Neighbourhood project – the idea of the Gannochy extension being a ‘Pilot Lifetime Neighbourhood’ and the commitment to provide homes and a place that embedded health and wellbeing.  The ideal of using the masterplan to create a demographic including the old, young, singles and families to support an intergenerational community, nurturing a sense of ‘ageing well,’ was commended.

The design of the neighbourhood and the houses were considered to be particularly innovative and effective in providing access to open space, fresh air and sunlight, whilst the commitment to the ‘fabric first’ approach to energy efficiency and to ‘passive stack’ ventilation showed the schemes ambitious environmental credentials.

Judges also welcomed the early engagement of planners in the process and the important role of the masterplan in supporting the development of a high-quality scheme, which is fitting to the issues faced today and tomorrow.

Stephen Lamb, Director of Anderson Bell + Christie said: “ It is a great achievement to receive  a commendation from the RTPI who ensure the highest of standards in town planning and development across the UK. It is gratifying that many of the key objectives of the development – to provide housing and an outdoor environment that meets the changing needs of its tenants over time – were recognised by the judges.”  

David Gray Chairman of the Gannochy Trust said: “To receive a commendation from the RTPI for what is a relatively small development near Perth is testament to the hard work is that Anderson Bell + Christie and all our partners have put into this project. Our collective vision to build on the pioneering work of our founder A.K Bell in the development of first-class housing is being realised and it is humbling that our efforts are being recognised nationally.”