- Retail Development - Aberdeen, Mither Kirk Appoints Former Head of Mansell Scotland as Project Manager
Date: 20 Jul 2007
Work to transform one of Aberdeen's most historic buildings has been given a boost with the appointment of a highly respected construction industry figurehead to lead the development through to completion.
Colin Sutherland, 65, former managing director of Mansell's large Scottish construction company, has been appointed project manager for the £5.1million Mither Kirk Project.
The charitable project aims to see the 900-year-old East Kirk at the Kirk of St Nicholas in the heart of Aberdeen transformed into a modern community facility with space for people to meet, attend a thriving café specialising in healthy eating, concerts, conferences, classes - and even shop. There will also be a life-skills kitchen where people can learn to cook and find out about healthy eating.
Well known for his work on landmark buildings, including the fire-damaged Morgan Academy in Dundee and the Queens Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Mr Sutherland has built up a reputation as an expert in the renovation of historic properties for modern use.
"I am both very pleased and very proud to have been given the opportunity to get involved in such a wonderful project," he said.
"The East Kirk has always been recognised as having very ancient roots but as a result of the recent archaeological excavations carried out at the site it is now believed to contain the oldest sections of wall and flooring in Aberdeen. Each century has seen the church extend and grow with the stones themselves like a puzzle through which the stories of the past 900 years are unfolding.
"With that in mind we have to be very careful about preserving an iconic building that is clearly of great significance to the city of Aberdeen and its citizens and I am very much looking forward to helping preserve this great building for generations to come."
The project will see the interior of the A-listed building split into three floors. St Mary's Chapel, which dates back to the early 15th century, will be restored and form a part of the lower ground floor together with a new community kitchen, offices and meeting rooms.
The ground floor will include a concourse with more community resources and meeting rooms, plus shopping facilities including the Third World Shop and a new cafe; while an upper floor will be created at the existing gallery level. This will be used as a multi-function space capable of seating up to 400 people and will be available for conferences, dance, music, community events and activities.
It is hoped construction work can begin by the start of 2008 and be completed within the year.
Arthur Winfield of the project's development team, said: "We are delighted to have someone of Colin's reputation working with us to restore this magnificent building to the heart of the Aberdeen community.
"His knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset in helping drive the project forward to completion."
£2.3million of the funding needed for the ambitious project has already been met thanks to awards from the City of Aberdeen, the Heritage Lottery Fund and others, in addition to contributions made by the Kirk of St Nicholas itself.
The local community are now being encouraged to get involved in raising the remaining £2.8million and helping create the new modern facility.
Colin Sutherland
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