Modern Public Services in a Historic Setting
BMJ Architects refurbished the ground floor of Inverclyde Council’s Municipal Buildings in Greenock, creating a modern Customer Service Centre within a Grade A listed 19th-century civic building.
Blending Contemporary Design with Heritage Architecture
The Municipal Buildings are an important feature of Greenock and are widely viewed as the public face of Inverclyde Council. The project therefore required a careful balance between contemporary service delivery and respect for the building’s historic character.
Concept and Strategy
The refurbished ground floor provides accommodation for the Council’s public services, including a contact centre, meeting rooms, and a mezzanine level dedicated to staff call handling. The mezzanine, together with strategically positioned floor-to-ceiling openings, enhances spatial connectivity and creates a large, adaptable open-plan area within the limitations of the existing structure.
The design introduces modern office accommodation while complementing the original architectural details. Contemporary materials and interventions sit alongside the historic fabric, supporting improved functionality without losing the civic character of the building.
Explore the Details
“The Customer Care Centre will become the focal point of the contact between the council services and the public and BMJ have produced a proposal which answers the brief and has added value to the overall project.”
Technical Services Manager
