York architects celebrate national success

A York-based architecture firm has been recognised nationally for its vision to revitalise a coastal community space.

brown + company has won first place in the National Design Ideas Competition for a new community facility on Edinburgh’s Portobello Promenade. 

The competition, commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council, sought creative proposals to transform an outdated public toilet block into a modern space combining commercial and community uses along the much-loved North Sea waterfront.

The winning concept, pictured below, introduces a flexible, multipurpose building alongside a new community garden, to be cared for by local schools, charities and residents. 

It is designed to complement the promenade’s natural curve without overwhelming its open coastal character.

Competition judges praised the “quietly confident” proposal, describing brown + company’s Porty Cooperative Café as “a modest café, social hub and practical toilet block” that delivers “community-driven simplicity”. 

They highlighted its “buildable design”, its potential for kayak storage or boat club facilities, and its “unassuming clarity”, recommending rooftop access to capture sea views.

Neil Brown, managing director of brown + company, which has built a strong portfolio of residential, educational and commercial developments across Yorkshire and beyond, including projects at St Peter’s School, Coney Street Riverside, Aparthotel Micklegate and The Mount Royale, said: “Our winning proposal reimagines the existing facilities through sensitive refurbishment and thoughtful expansion.

“The scheme enhances accessibility with new inclusive toilets, a Changing Places facility and showers for beachgoers.

“A timber extension – crafted from locally sourced materials that reflect the tones and textures of Portobello’s shore – wraps around the existing structure, giving it renewed warmth and character.

“By pushing the structure out to the perimeter walls, the design creates a flexible commercial space adaptable to a range of community needs.

“A generous roof overhang offers shelter and a sense of intimacy within the exposed coastal setting.”

Neil added: “We are incredibly proud of winning this prestigious competition.

“I’d like to thank my talented colleague Rob Miller, who has worked tremendously hard on this project to create a high-quality facility which is worthy of its stunning situation.”

Work on the detailed design phase will begin in the coming months before the project goes out to tender.

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