2019 Project of the Year: RICS Awards, London

Building Conservation

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Project, Westminster

The project has created a new gallery space within the Abbey's eastern Triforium, displaying 300 of the Abbey's finest treasures, some for the first time in 700 years, reflecting its thousand-year history. The galleries offer unparalleled views down into the Abbey below. Access to the galleries has been achieved through the construction of a new tower in Poets' Yard, the first significant addition to the Abbey in over 250 years at a site of national importance.

RICS judges praised how maintaining architectural integrity had been paramount to the project and how it had been achieved to stunning effect. By sourcing original materials from the 13th century and uncovering historic foundations, the bold restoration has led to a thoughtfully curated space.

Commercial

London Wall Place, London

The culmination of eight years collaboration between Brookfield Properties, Oxford Properties and the Make-led design team, this landmark development breaks new ground in workplace design. The state-of-the-art office buildings provide over 500,000ft2 of Grade A office space and 35,000ft2 of roof terraces. The new backdrop to over an acre of new public gardens and elevated highwalks, it is a new destination for London.

RICS judges comments: "London Wall Place is an eight year researched joint venture project creating a new exemplary office development with good transport connections. Providing over 500,000 sqft of grade A office space across two buildings, the scheme repairs this complex former 1950s City site. Creating significant new public gardens and a re-imagined elevated walkway the buildings successfully integrate with the streetscape and brutalist architecture of the Salters Hall and Barbican, together with the sensitive heritage assets at this place making location."

Community Benefit

Bay 20, Dale Youth Boxing Academy & Community Centre, London

Following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower in June 2017, Conisbee and Featherstone Young engaged in this community project with BBC Big Build. After the devasting fire, it became apparent that the destruction had spread throughout the close-knit community of the tower and the surrounding estate. Action was needed to help heal and rebuild a community that was torn apart in such tragic circumstances.

RICS judges said it was clear that the project was brought about by strong community consultation and involvement, making clever use of the space beneath the Westway flyover to form two community buildings with good outreach work. With views over the adjacent park, it is a welcoming refuge for the local community that includes the terrible memory of Grenfell Tower.

Highly Commended: Golden Lane Community Centre, London

Design Through Innovation

The Hoover Building, Greenford

Taking on so many roles in its 86-year lifespan, the Grade II listed building has now taken on its latest chapter as a residential building accommodating 66 homes. At the heart of this transformation is the comprehensive repair of the façade to return the building to its former glory, and the incorporation of a new timber structure to create the homes while minimising the impact on the existing building.

RICS judges said the most famous factory building in the UK was brought back into use through innovative and sensitive design. Previously empty and under threat, the integrated design resulted in the magnificent restoration of a cherished landmark and an attractive and successful residential scheme.

Regeneration

Portobello Square, London

PRP's masterplan envisages the comprehensive, phased regeneration of Wornington Green, an aging 1960s estate, to create a mixed-use, mixed tenure community which allows for the re-housing of all existing tenants in the new development. The proposal will double the existing density along with retail and community spaces.

RICS judges praised the sheer quality and attention to detail of the scheme which has transformed a previously under-valued pocket of North Kensington into a desirable neighbourhood of choice, with no loss of social housing or the vibrancy of the existing community. Respecting the area's original architecture, the new development creates an attractive, integrated urban fabric that will stand the test of time.

Residential Property

Marklake Court, Southwark

Empowered by a unique collaborative design process between the local community and Bell Phillips Architects, the development of 27 council-rent homes represents an entirely ground-up approach to providing social housing. The project is the embodiment of a local community's drive to develop new affordable homes in its local area, all while demonstrating a unique model for the construction of new housing.

RICS judges praised the exemplary model of collaboration between an existing community local authority, developer and architect in providing affordable housing for specific local needs. The buildings are thoughtfully conceived, well designed and furthermore, a ground-breaking catalyst for the funding of future similar projects.

Tourism & Leisure

Victoria Palace Theatre, Westminster

The Grade II listed Victoria Palace Theatre was designed by Frank Matcham and constructed in 1911. The theatre has recently undergone a significant refurbishment, with a proactive and committed team delivering a leading theatre experience in a high-quality Victorian theatre with 21st century facilities.

RICS judges were very impressed with the vision and commitment to rejuvenate the underperforming theatre to an excellent standard, especially when faced with the challenge of opening with the hit Broadway show Hamilton.

Highly Commended: Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew – Temperate House Precinct Project