Ice Factor wins a Dynamic Place award

The Ice Factor in Kinlochleven scooped the Building and Construction award at this year's Dynamic Place Awards which recognise Scotland's leading design, innovation and regeneration talent.

The Ice Factor project was awarded for its thoughtful design and ingenious use of an existing resource to create one of the biggest attractions in the region.

The indoor facility boasts the UK's largest articulated rock wall, dedicated instruction bay, bouldering area and the UK's biggest indoor ice wall.

The centre is housed within a Grade B listed building, formerly part of the Kinlochleven Smelter, which closed in 2000.

The construction project was promoted by the Kinlochleven Land Development Trust (KLDT), which is a charitable company, and draws directors from the local community, Lochaber Enterprise and Highland Council.

Constructed by Sir Robert McAlpine, the facility comprises seven large reinforced concrete bunkers used for storing carbon and affords an example of national importance with one of the last long riveted steel beams of its type.

Chairman of the Kinlochleven Land Development Trust Edward Daynes said: "The regeneration of Kinlochleven has been a lengthy and involved process which is continuing.

"The ice climbing facilities within the Ice Factor are enhanced by the industrial nature of the surroundings and bring this redundant listed building to life with a facility of international significance, and which forms a key element in the regeneration of the village following the closure of the smelter."

The £3m facility was opened in December 2003, having received assistance from KLDT, Lochaber Enterprise, Highland Council, sportscotland, Alcan, the European Union and Historic Scotland. The design of the centre has been crucial to its success and local architects Bruce Neil and surveyors Samuel and Partners were very much involved in the whole redevelopment process.

Chief executive of Lochaber Enterprise, Charlotte Wright said: "Since the opening in December 2003, The Ice Factor has gained a four-star visitor award from VisitScotland and witnessed some 35,000 visitors, marking the centre as one of the region's key attractions and a site of national importance for the combination of heritage, with state of the art technology and innovation.

The Ice Factor was one of 13 projects and initiatives to receive an award at the 2004 ceremony, which was held at Kilncraigs Mill in Alloa, Clackmannanshire on 24th November.

In the Buildings and Construction category awards were also presented to: The Balivanich Regeneration Project in Benbecula, the Bute Recycling Centre in Rothesay, the County Buildings in Wigtown, The Cross Heritage Regeneration Project and Maggie's Cancer Caring Respite Centre in Dundee.

The awards, which are organised by Scottish Enterprise and sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Communities Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, recognise top Scottish talent in four categories - Buildings, Open Spaces, Making Connections (both digital and transport), People / Training Development and Sustainability.

Awards are also presented to the Team of the Year, Individual of the Year and the Robert Grieve Award for Sustainability, sponsored by Highland and Islands Enterprise.

The winners were chosen by a panel of 11 high-profile judges, including Beechgrove Garden presenter Carole Baxter, Barbara Kelly who has a special interest in consumer affairs and rural and environmental matters, respected chartered civil engineer Iain Hart, former Law Lord Willie Prosser and renowned architect Professor Andy MacMillan. The judges chose 28 shortlisted projects from the initial entries and visited each project before selecting the winners.