2019 Project of the Year: RICS Awards, Yorkshire and Humber

Building Conservation

The Great Barn, Skipton

The transformation of Bolton Abbey's 16th century Tithe barn from a cluttered agricultural store, into a magical wedding venue was described by RICS Judges as exemplary, noting the project team's meticulous attention to detail. This has allowed them to succeed in their mission to create the finest wedding barn venue in the UK.

One of the largest medieval barns in the country – The Great Barn has been revealed into a single space, celebrating the magnificent cathedral-like timber roof structure. RICS judges said its effortless simplicity belies the sensitive and thorough approach of the project team - Bolton Abbey Estate, Cripps & Co, Pearce Bottomley Architects and Universal Projects (UK) – which has delivered a beautiful interior.

Highly commended: Scarborough Market, Scarborough

Commercial

Sponsored by Shulmans

The Great Barn, Skipton

This stunning wedding venue's popularity is reflected in the high level of bookings it has already taken, which has also generated extra footfall and trade for the Bolton Abbey Estate and proved a catalyst for further tourism and leisure development at Bolton Abbey.

It currently generates 13 times more rental income for the Bolton Abbey Estate with payback on costs expected in just seven years. Overall this represents an outstanding commercial venture making great use of a historic and magnificent building.

Community Benefit

Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre, Northallerton

Not only does this new cancer care centre provide the highest quality support and care for cancer patients, it has also been strategically important in helping to secure the uncertain future of the wider Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, preserving access to critical local healthcare services.

The level of community engagement - before and during the development - including regular fundraising, along with design reviews with patient and healthcare representatives to test the furniture, made this scheme stand out from the others. RICS Judges said the centre – delivered by Interserve, Neil Worland Partnership, P+HS Architects and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - has delivered exceptional benefits to the community it serves.

Design through Innovation

The Bonus Arena, Hull

One of Hull's legacy projects following UK City of Culture 2017, the £40million Bonus Arena is the only UK facility of its type and size to provide flexible front of house space, enabling it to deliver a mixed programme of entertainment, conference, exhibition and banqueting using the same space. RICS Judges recognised this innovative model is inspiring developments across the UK.

RICS judges praised the team behind the striking Bonus Arena – AFL Architects, Bam Construct, Hull City Council and NPS – for pushing the design boundaries and using innovative solutions to make its interior spaces so flexible, with retractable seating and temporary staging.

Infrastructure

Knostrop Sludge Treatment Facility, Leeds

The new Knostrop Sludge Treatment Facility is a great example of using innovation to develop a more effective and future-proofed treatment solution. The project – delivered by Black & Veatch, Turner & Townsend and Yorkshire Water Services - has maximised every opportunity to create a sustainable sewage facility which generates cost savings for the client, whilst reducing reliance on gas and fuel.

RICS Judges said the environmental approach to the project is exemplary, particularly the reuse of biogas generated in the digestion process to supply heat and power, ensuring the site becomes almost fully self-sufficient. Further careful consideration of the community, including reducing noise, odour and the number of lorries used, ensures this project is a worthy winner.

2019 Regeneration

The Glassworks, Barnsley

The first phase of an ambitious £178million project to revitalise Barnsley's town centre comprises a new reimagined market hall with a flagship food court.

RICS Judges were impressed with the re-use of the existing structure to provide vibrant and attractive market halls and commended the project team – Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Henry Boot Construction, IBI Group and NPS – for helping to continue Barnsley's market tradition by encouraging the next generation back to town centre shopping.

Residential Property

The Cornyard in Oughtibridge, Sheffield

Comprising of two distinctive family homes, The Cornyard highlights the very best in contemporary design innovation and collaboration in the residential field. The homes were delivered on a limited budget of £610,000, using raw materials where possible.

RICS Judges praised the project team – Coda Bespoke, DED Associates and RGR Construction – for delivering exemplary and stunning homes that integrate seamlessly with their surrounding community, whilst providing a unique aesthetic contrast. This is due to the use of steel as the primary material on the homes to represent Sheffield's industrial heritage.

Tourism & Leisure

The Beverley Arms Hotel, Beverley

The 300-year-old Beverley Arms Hotel had sunk into dereliction following years of neglect, but it reopened in 2018 following a stunning £6.5m two-year transformation led by Bowman Riley Architects, GMG Associates, Thwaites and PM Lally.

Hailed by The Times as one of the 'Top Ten British Hotels of 2018', it now boasts 38 contemporary bedrooms, a modern bar and 68-seat restaurant, along with dining/meeting rooms and an attractive courtyard. RICS Judges were impressed by the design and sympathetic execution of the works undertaken, resulting in a premium hotel that will support and enhance tourism and leisure in the local area.

Highly commended: The Hide in Driffield