Merseyside's renaissance wins architecture accolades

May 30 2008 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

MERSEYSIDE’S architectural renaissance was recognised by a string of awards at a ceremony held in Liverpool.

A panel of judges from the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) gave the accolades to the new Arena and Convention Centre (ACC) Liverpool, the re-development of the Bluecoat, and the University of Liverpool’s Small Animal teaching hospital in Neston.

The annual awards are given for buildings that have high architectural merit and make a substantial contribution to the local environment.

ACC Liverpool – which comprises the 10,600-seat Echo Arena and the BT Convention Centre – was described by judges as a “significant contribution to the historic river frontage of the Mersey” and part of an “elegant and sophisticated composition.”

They went on to say that the building has “provided Liverpool with another landmark on the Mersey and has been adopted by the Liverpool public with pride.”

ACC Liverpool was designed by Wilkinson Eyre architects. Director Oliver Tyler said: “It is always a great pleasure when the quality of a building’s design is recognised by one’s peers. We truly believe that this building further enriches Liverpool’s world famous architectural legacy.”

Bob Prattey, ACC Liverpool chief executive, added: “The design of this magnificent building has played a key part in our success – visitors and clients are invariably bowled over by the architecture and its location.

“We’re delighted that this has been recognised by such a prestigious organisation.”

The Bluecoat also received an RIBA award, just days after it re-opened following a serious fire which ripped through the building.

The blaze occurred just weeks after the new-look Bluecoat was unveiled to the public following a £12.5m redevelopment.

Hans van der Heijden, of the Dutch architects Biq, who designed the redevelopment of the Bluecoa, said: “It feels very good to get a pat on the back from RIBA for this work. The building is our showcase piece and has proved a milestone in our professional career.”

The Bluecoat is the oldest building in Liverpool city centre and one of the oldest arts spaces in the UK.

The recipient of the third award was the Small Animal Teaching Hospital in Neston, designed by architects Sheppard Robson.

The judges said: “A lot of effort has gone into making this building welcoming, accessible and a very pleasant and functional teaching and learning environment.”

Roger Stephenson, chair of RIBA North West, said: “We were delighted with the standard of the entries and firmly believe that the region can proudly boast of having some of the most exciting architecture in the UK today.”

Buildings were judged by panels in each region, who visited schemes and met to produce a list of buildings to be visited by the region's jury.

The jury visited the shortlisted projects, talking to clients and users.

All 11 award-winning buildings in the North-West will now go on to be considered for RIBA National Awards, which in turn form the long-list for the RIBA Stirling Prize.

This will take place at Liverpool ACC on October 11, and will be broadcast the following day on Channel 4.

OPINION: PAGE 10

alanweston