RICS working for you in...

What a space of waste

Container City in Cove Park in Scotland

Container City is a highly versatile system of providing stylish but affordable accommodation for a range of uses made from shipping containers. The concept was devised by Urban Space Management.

John Burton MRICS, 46, works for Urban Space Management and picks up the story "Our managing director, Eric Reynolds visited New York in 1998 where a container was being used as an extension on the roof of a building. The idea grew from there."

Cove Park is a centre for established artists of all disciplines, set on Scotland's west coast around 50 miles from Edinburgh. Cove Park is set in 50 acres of spectacular surroundings overlooking the sea and the hills beyond in Argyllshire.

Container City created three en-suite live/work units to act as artistic retreats. Glass doors replaced the existing steel container doors. Each accommodation has a balcony extending over a lake with spectacular views of Loch Long. Cove Park is dedicated to artistic excellence and provides opportunities for professional development in a unique and inspiring context that combines stunning landscape with high quality resources.

The benefits of Container Cities can truly be seen in short and medium term land use projects. Short-life sites can have Container Cities that simply unbolt and can be relocated or stored when land is required for alternative uses.

Container Cities can also be found in London's Docklands, where the site at Trinity Buoy Wharf has also appeared as the backdrop in both film and television. In 1999 Pierce Brosnan rampaged through the site in the opening sequence of The World is Not Enough. More recently, James Nesbitt used the site as a lock up for stolen cars in an episode of Murphy's Law.

John explains "It's about flying in the face of the norm – Urban Space Management as a company is about making something where previously there was nothing. In the example of Container City, it is making something out of materials you wouldn't expect." 

External Links


RICS cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites

Facts

An artists' centre dedicated to excellence

50 miles from Glasgow on Scotland's west coast

50 acres of spectacular surroundings overlooking the sea

6 containers converted into accommodation

Join RICS today...