A major piece of Omagh’s regeneration jigsaw has won Northern Ireland’s top building award.

The impressive Strule Arts Centre in the town, which was described by judges as a striking physical presence reflecting civic pride and confidence, has claimed top prize in the RICS Northern Ireland Awards which are sponsored by Mallusk-based Brett Martin.

The overall RICS Award is presented for innovation in design and construction, contribution to the local community, sustainability and economic viability.

The Strule Arts Centre is a 4,000 sq m arts facility with auditorium, lecture theatre and associated facilities.

The centre boasts:

• a 400 seat auditorium, gallery and exhibition space
• café
• tourist information centre
• print
• ceramic and art workshops
• darkroom and digital photography suite
• 120 seat theatre designed for cinema and film projection
• music recording studios
• dance/rehearsal studio. 

The stunning project, which also won the Regeneration section of the awards, saw off competition from three other category winners to claim the top prize.

	Other category winners
	Bagnal’s Castle, Newry (Building Conservation)
	The Orchard Building at Stranmillis University College, Belfast (Sustainability)
	The Grand Opera House Act II, Belfast (Community Benefit)

A full list of winners, highly commended and commended projects and judges comments can be seen in the press release, downloadable from the box on the right of this page.