The RIBA awards are regarded internationally as a mark of excellence, recognising the best architecture across the UK.
The project is part of a new Civic Quarter for Lambeth, which has reduced the council’s core office buildings from 14 to two, cutting the organisation’s carbon footprint by a third and saving taxpayers £4.5m a year.
It also includes the creation of 219 new homes for rent and sale, of which 47 per cent will be affordable, including those built in Wynne Road, Brixton.
Cllr Andy Wilson, Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, said:
“We are delighted that RIBA has recognised the success of this scheme. It has delivered for our staff, and just as importantly it has delivered for our residents.
“It has achieved savings, created modern office accommodation for our staff and has allowed us to use some of our former offices in creative and interesting ways that support our aims around job creation, decent pay and building new homes.”
The project which was completed in Spring 2018 was carried out for the council by Muse Developments with Morgan Sindall as the contractor and architects Cartwright Pickard.
The RIBA judges said:
“The refurbishment of the Town Hall reinvents and breathes new life into the Edwardian building. An intelligent approach to old and new has been achieved, allowing period features and materials to be restored and enhanced, while decluttering ad-hoc additions to provide new spatial opportunities. A previously external courtyard has been covered allowing a top-lit internal atrium space at the heart of the building, providing a focus and connection to the other spaces.
“The Council’s evident energy, drive and enthusiasm for the project and their close collaboration with the architect throughout the process has contributed significantly to the overall success, and whilst working within a challenging budget, the project has achieved a valuable facility to serve the needs of the community present and future.”
To read more about the award visit architecture.com.
The award follows the Civic Centre being Highly Commended in the Corporate Workplace category in April at the British Council for Offices’ Awards.
