We’ve spent a lot of time in Alloa Police Station recently, fortunately for all the right reasons.

For the last few months, we have been working closely with our client and the appointed contractor on transforming the former police station in Alloa into a modern self-storage facility. While the building’s structure and former use will benefit the security credentials of its new use, the complex alterations have been a challenge for all parties to overcome.

Masonry internal walls (many of them bomb-proof) and suspended concrete floors will provide a boastful level of protection for future customers, but have reduced flexibility in reorganising the building layout.

Situated within one of Alloa’s two conservation areas, the project has faced significant challenges, with the desire to maximise the prominence of the commercial enterprise at a busy junction in the centre of town, whilst respecting the character of the historic architecture it sits alongside.

The project is a strong example of the challenges facing businesses, designers and contractors when altering vacant or traditional buildings in the UK to meet contemporary needs or provide commercial viability.

The construction is now reaching its final weeks. None of these challenges could have been met without the determination of our client Locked Self Storage, the deft problem solving of the contractor Colorado Construction and the invaluable help and support of our Structural Engineer Calum Bennett, M&E Consultant Kilbryde Consulting Engineers and self-storage advisors Janus International Europe Ltd

We look forward to seeing this building re-energised at last, in the heart of Alloa.

P.S. None of this would have been possible without the creativity and hard work of our Architect Matthew Thomson, who is bringing these ideas to life so beautifully.