Historic Scottish football stand shortlisted for major structural accolade

Gala Fairydean Rovers Netherton Stand
Image Credit: ©Pete Jeffrey

THE Gala Fairydean Rovers spectator stand in Galashiels has been shortlisted for a major structural award from The Institution of Structural Engineers (IstructE).

The club’s Netherdale Stand was designed by architect Peter Womersley and recognised globally for its 1960s modernism. The stand was closed in 2017 due to structural concerns before a restoration project commenced to preserve the architectural integrity of the A-listed building, primarily constructed from reinforced concrete.

Narro Associates is now a finalist in the global awards for the initiative, which involved condition surveys, ‘innovative’ repair techniques, and a collaborative effort with various stakeholders to address and mitigate concrete deterioration and structural issues, ensuring the building’s longevity and aesthetic preservation.

The IstructE Awards spotlight 30 of groundbreaking projects from around the world. The awards focus on four judging attributes introduced in 2022: Planet (environmental impact), People (social value), Process (technical innovation), and Profession (collaboration and advocacy).

The winners will be revealed at a ceremony in London in November.