The Turner Prize-winning architectural collective Assemble has partnered with emerging firm Office Corr Higgins to reveal comprehensive plans for revamping the Timespan cultural center in Helmsdale, a small village in the Scottish Highlands. The proposals, made public on January 6, 2026, aim to reimagine the institution as a dynamic cultural hub that better serves the remote northern community while gaining international recognition. This collaboration brings together Assemble's celebrated community-focused approach with Office Corr Higgins' fresh perspective from their bases in Glasgow and Bristol. The project represents a significant investment in rural Scottish cultural infrastructure at a time when many remote communities face increasing economic challenges.
Assemble, which won the prestigious Turner Prize in 2015, has built a reputation for collaborative projects that prioritize social impact and community engagement over flashy architectural gestures. Their work on the Granby Four Streets project in Liverpool earned them international acclaim for revitalizing a neglected neighborhood through hands-on renovation and direct community involvement. The collective's approach typically involves extensive consultation with local residents and stakeholders, ensuring that their designs reflect the actual needs and aspirations of the people who will use the spaces. For the Timespan project, this methodology will be crucial in addressing the unique cultural and economic context of the Scottish Highlands.
Office Corr Higgins, though less established than their partners, brings valuable experience working across Scotland and England with a particular sensitivity to regional identity and heritage. The firm's dual presence in Glasgow and Bristol allows them to bridge urban and rural perspectives, potentially bringing innovative solutions to the challenges facing cultural institutions in isolated areas. Their collaboration with Assemble signals a strategic partnership that combines international recognition with local insight. The firms have indicated that their design will respect the distinctive character of Helmsdale while introducing contemporary elements that can attract visitors from across Scotland and beyond.
Timespan, located in the coastal village of Helmsdale in Sutherland, has operated for decades as a museum and arts center focused on the history and culture of the Scottish Highlands. The institution has played a vital role in preserving local heritage, including the area's complex history of clearances and emigration, while also providing a venue for contemporary arts programming. However, its current facilities have become outdated, limiting its ability to serve as a true cultural hub for the region. The renovation plans aim to expand exhibition spaces, improve archival storage, and create more flexible areas for community gatherings, workshops, and performances.
The proposed redesign will address critical infrastructure needs while enhancing the visitor experience through improved accessibility and interpretive displays about Highland culture. Early conceptual drawings suggest a careful integration of traditional materials with modern sustainable building practices, reflecting both the region's architectural heritage and contemporary environmental concerns. The project team has emphasized their commitment to using local materials and labor wherever possible, which could provide an economic boost to Helmsdale and surrounding areas. Community workshops and consultation sessions are planned throughout the design development phase to ensure the final plans reflect local priorities.
If realized, the transformed Timespan could serve as a model for how small, rural cultural institutions can evolve into vibrant centers that honor local heritage while embracing contemporary arts and community needs. The project comes at a critical moment for the Scottish Highlands, which continues to grapple with population decline, seasonal tourism, and the need for year-round economic activity. Success here could demonstrate how strategic investment in cultural infrastructure can support rural resilience and provide a template for similar communities across Scotland and other remote regions. The architects expect to submit detailed plans for planning approval later this year, with construction potentially beginning in 2027.
