O'DonnellBrown Architects has successfully transformed the New Farm Loch Community Centre in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, into a modern performing arts venue and community hub for Take A Bow, a charity specializing in performing arts, community development, and youth programs. The comprehensive $3.1 million retrofit project, completed in May 2025, has breathed new life into a deteriorating 1970s blockwork building that serves as headquarters for Take A Bow and other community organizations.
The original building faced significant structural and operational challenges that made it unsuitable for its intended purpose. Issues included persistent dampness, asbestos contamination, and water infiltration problems that resulted in poor insulation and energy inefficiency. The facility also lacked adequate changing space near the performance stage, while the aging concrete and render exterior appeared dated and disconnected from the surrounding recently regenerated residential estate and park.
Take A Bow Development Trust took ownership of the building in 2019 after it was threatened with closure, initially through a community asset transfer lease agreement. The organization commissioned O'DonnellBrown Architects in 2021 to develop a comprehensive renovation strategy. The project represents an evolution of the architectural firm's earlier prototype work, "The Community Classroom," which was completed in 2020.
The transformation features a striking new timber colonnade with an extended entrance canopy that creates a welcoming gateway to the facility. This architectural element encloses new changing room facilities that provide direct access to the main performance space. The car parking area has been relocated to the rear of the building, allowing the colonnade to open onto a spacious new forecourt situated between the building's frontage and the adjacent park. This flexible outdoor space accommodates various programming activities, including the annual summer festival "Take A Bow in the Park."
Externally, the building received a complete makeover with a new insulation system and render finish that dramatically improves thermal performance while eliminating the dated concrete appearance. The new exterior skin serves as a canvas for Take A Bow's distinctive branding colors, graphics, and signage, creating a vibrant and identifiable community landmark. The ground floor interior layout has been completely reconfigured to improve the flow and sequence of spaces, creating a logical progression from entrance through bar area to the main performance hall.
The renovation includes the new McManus Suite, a dedicated studio space for performers that doubles as changing facilities. Named after John McManus, chair of the Take A Bow Development Trust who led the redevelopment project, this multipurpose area addresses the facility's previous lack of adequate performer preparation space. A new window installation in the bar area creates visual connectivity between the center and the surrounding park, enhancing the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Interior improvements feature a new reception desk and bar counter finished in plywood cladding accented with the organization's brand colors, creating a more welcoming and professional environment. The main hall now includes flexible bleacher seating that can be reconfigured for different events and audience sizes. Additional meeting and workshop spaces expand the building's capacity to serve the local community through diverse programming including youth development activities, holiday clubs, intergenerational programs, and community lunches.
In alignment with Take A Bow's net-zero carbon ambitions, O'DonnellBrown collaborated with energy consultant Carbon Futures to develop a comprehensive energy strategy focused on minimizing whole-life carbon impact, optimizing energy efficiency, and reducing long-term operational costs. Key sustainability measures include the installation of an air-source heat pump system and enhanced building envelope performance. The project achieved an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A, with predicted operational energy consumption of 87 kWh per square meter annually.
The design process incorporated extensive community engagement through both in-person meetings and social media platforms to ensure the renovation would meet the specific needs and preferences of local residents. The New Farm Loch Community Centre was formally transferred as a complete asset to Take A Bow in 2023 with funding support from the Scottish Land Fund, securing the organization's long-term stewardship of the facility.
Michael Dougall, project director at O'DonnellBrown Architects, expressed pride in the transformation: "This project is a powerful example of what can be achieved through community-led regeneration, driven by local ambition, creativity and care. The revitalized center is now a welcoming, low-energy space that supports a wide range of social, cultural and educational activities. We hope this project inspires similar approaches to regeneration across Scotland and beyond, proving that with the right vision and collaboration, our existing buildings can be adapted to meet the evolving needs of today and tomorrow."
John McManus, chair of Take A Bow Development Trust, reflected on the journey from threat of closure to successful renovation: "Our vision for the building was to create a modern fit-for-purpose facility that would operate as a sustainable performing arts venue and community hub. We are delighted with the completed project and are pleased to be back and operating from the center. The response from the community has been extremely positive and reflects the engagement of local people throughout the journey to redevelop the center."
The project's success builds on O'DonnellBrown's recent recognition in the architectural community. Last year, the firm won the Retrofit of the Year award at the AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards for their Glasgow renovation of New Olympia House, a $2.2 million project that transformed a former Salvation Army Citadel in Bridgeton into modern commercial office space. The Kilmarnock community center project, with construction beginning in February 2024 and completion in May 2025, demonstrates how thoughtful architectural intervention can revitalize community infrastructure while advancing sustainability goals and strengthening local social fabric.
