The RICS Awards 2010 Grand Final winners and Project of the Year were announced on 15 October at a lunchtime ceremony at the Guildhall in London.
The Roundhouse Campus for Derby College – a redevelopment of a derelict building – was given the top accolade of Project of the Year.
“The Roundhouse not only cherishes the historical significance of the buildings, but will also help to secure the city’s future through the many generations who will be able to study there,” said chairman of the judges Simon Pott.
Michael Portillo hosted the event, in which property projects from across the globe competed in the categories of: Building Conservation; Community Benefit; Regeneration; and Sustainability. Estates Gazette acted as media partner.
RICS president Robert Peto said that the awards highlighted the fact that property is more than just a financial asset. He said: “It is also about creating space that is useful, functional and beautiful – somewhere where we want to live, work and play.”
Sustainability Award winner New Library, Queen’s University, Belfast
The New Library, with 2,000 reader places and accommodation for 1.5m books, has transformed the student and staff experience at Queens University Belfast, replacing the previous library provision, which was inadequate for a student population of more than 24,000. In building the New Library, QUB demolished four undistinguished 1970s buildings. The New Library has proved so popular that the opening hours have had to be extended. The aim of the design was to reduce energy loads and provide energy input as efficiently as possible.
Jim Ure, sustainability judge
“The New Library is proving to be an invaluable resource for students at Queen’s University Belfast. The building achieves excellence on two fronts: in terms of providing essential educational support, and through its distinction in sustainability. On both counts, it is an exceptional project.”
Regeneration Award winner Stonebridge Estate Regeneration, Harlesden
The regeneration of Stonebridge Estate has made an exceptional contribution to the lives of residents and to the urban fabric of Harlesden, NW10.
After 25 years, Stonebridge had become one of the worst estates in the UK, with a notorious reputation for poverty, social exclusion, violence and drug-dealing. So as well as physical regeneration of the estate, a key objective was to improve the economic and social welfare of residents. Over 12 years, regeneration has delivered 1,156 new affordable homes, a PCT health centre, chemist, community centre, nursery, sports facilities, three new parks and a range of retail outlets. As a result of the project, unemployment, vandalism, graffiti and fear of crime have all fallen, while there has been a sharp rise in qualifications among residents.
Stephen Robinson, regeneration judge
“This project has not only made an incredible difference to the lives of the residents, it has safeguarded the economic future of the estate and restored its connections with the wider communities of Harlesden and north London.”
Project of the Year The Roundhouse Campus, Derby College
The grade II-listed buildings represent the UK’s best preserved, early, purpose-built railway works and include the world’s oldest surviving roundhouse. The site was shut down more than 20 years ago, as many industrial activities had moved to more modern buildings in the 1980s.
The buildings stood empty, continuing to deteriorate, and were eventually entered into the Buildings at Risk Register. The challenge was to preserve and develop the buildings, which are strongly connected to the identity of Derby.
The judges found the redevelopment of the site to be an excellent example of urban regeneration, providing an integrated solution to the provision of educational requirements. Since the Roundhouse opened, interest in the college’s courses has soared, with a 15% increase in student numbers across the campus. Alongside the original buildings, the new Stephenson building houses a range of vocational learning areas and the arts faculty, plus a hair and beauty salon.
Simon Pott, chairman of the judging panel
“The new Roundhouse Campus is an outstanding asset for Derby, and is having a considerable impact on both students and members of the public. Developing a derelict building presents obvious challenges, and the facilities now available provide an excellent resource for the city.”
Community Benefit Award winner Scala Cinema & Arts Centre, Prestatyn
The Scala Cinema first opened in 1913, but was forced to close in December 2000 due to neglect and the high cost of repairs.
However, after a lengthy campaign by the local community, the site was restored and reopened in 2009 as a new, state-of-the-art cinema and arts centre, revitalising Prestatyn and the surrounding area.
The site now offers a 150 seat, multi-use auditorium, suitable not only for film but providing an excellent venue for performing arts, dance and exercise classes, fairs and markets.
The community also has access to the centre’s new social and training facilities, exhibition spaces and meeting rooms.
Simon Pott, chairman of the judging panel
“This is an extraordinary example of how the passion of local residents can help drive a project through to completion. After a nine-year struggle, the local community of Prestatyn is finally able to enjoy the superb facilities of this engaging cinema and arts centre.”
Building Conservation Award winner Blencow Hall, Penrith
Blencow Hall, a grade I-listed building in Cumbria, is of medieval origin. When the present owners acquired the hall, it was part-derelict. The preservation of a large gash through the south tower was an unusual feature of the project. The aim of the scheme was to maximise the reuse of the existing building, reoccupying spaces and refitting them to a contemporary standard. The main principle was that new work should always fit the old, and that old not be modified, but protected. The long-term future of the building has been secured and Blencow Hall now offers luxury accommodation for 24 visitors.
Debbie Dance, building conservation judge “Blencow Hall is an example of 21st century design allowing a building in ruins to live again. Today, the hall has a sustainable future, contributing to the environment and as a viable commercial enterprise. This innovative approach has lessons for all in the heritage industry.”
Behind the winners
Project of the Year
Roundhouse Campus, Derby College
Owner: Derby College
Architect: Maber
Project manager/QS: Armsons
Main contractor: Bowmer & Kirkland
Funding adviser: Gleeds Advisory Ltd
Landscape architect: munro+whitten
Structural engineer: BWB Consulting
M&E engineer: imtech G&H
Building Conservation Award winner
Blencow Hall, Penrith
Owners: Mr & Mrs Charles Rowley
Developer: Blencow Hall Partners
Architect: Donald Insall Architects
Commended
The O2, Dublin; St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle
Community Benefit Award winner
Scala Cinema and Arts Centre, Prestatyn
Owner/developer: Denbighshire council
Architect: Burrell Foley Fischer LLP with Christopher Sanders Architect
Quantity surveyor: Burke Hunter Adams
Structural engineer: Capita Symonds Ltd
Services engineer: Carpenter Davies
Main contractor: RL Davies
Media consultant: Inglis Todd Associates
Theatre consultant: PMC Stage Services
Acoustic consultant: Arup Acoustics
Access consultant: B3 Burgess
Commended
Langley Academy, Slough; Saltholme Wildlife Reserve and Discovery Park Visitor Centre, Teesside
Regeneration Award winner
Stonebridge Estate, Harlesden
Owner/developer: Hyde Housing Association, Hillside Housing Trust and London Borough of Brent
Masterplanner and architect: Shepheard Epstein Hunter Architects
Planning consultant: Terence O’Rourke
Employer’s agents, cost consultants and CDM co-ordinators: Baily Garner LLP, Calford Seaden
Commended
Hafod Eryri, Snowdon
Sustainability Award winner
New Library, Queen’s University, Belfast
Owner: Queen’s University, Belfast
Architects: Robinson Patterson, Shepley Bulfinch, Richardson & Abbott
Quantity surveyor: Hood McGowan Kirk
Engineer: Buro Happold
Contractor: O’Hare & McGovern
Commended
Regional Agricultural Centre, Harrogate; Elizabeth II Court, Winchester; Branston factory, Lincoln
