Morpeth Leisure Centre entered by DPP Planning
Morpeth Leisure Centre is a sophisticated example of how well-designed, co-located facilities can strengthen and champion diversity and inclusion within a local community. Joint clients Northumberland County Council and Advance Northumberland alongside DPP and the project team worked to develop a new typology of public sector building, incorporating sport and leisure with community facilities, creating a new heart in Morpeth. Designed pre-covid, delivered during lockdowns and through resultant supply chain issues and an impending recession, the delivery of this highly successful scheme is testament to how a strong planning strategy, effective public consultation and collaboration can yield exceptional results.
Image credit: Kristen McCluskie
Stephenson Building at Newcastle University entered by ELG Planning / NORR / Newcastle University
The Stephenson Building at Newcastle University is an exemplar renovation and remodel project with sustainability at its core. It has turned the existing 1950s building ‘inside out’ by transforming an inward focused, cellular and traditional academic building into an outward facing and collaborative Hub for Engineering, centred around collaboration and a vibrant atrium space. It has been designed to be the catalyst for collaboration, transformational teaching experience, student, staff and visitor experience and to showcase the world-leading research being conducted on campus.
Image credit: Kristen McCluskie
North Shields Transport Hub and Town Square entered by Napper Architects/North Tyneside Council/Willmott Dixon
North Shields Transport Hub is North Tyneside’s first Net Zero Carbon building providing access to a sustainable and well-connected public transport system for all. It is a catalyst for the regeneration of the town centre as an attractive, family-friendly destination. The Town Square is a much-needed focus in the heart of the retail centre linking the Transport Hub, the Metro station and the main shopping centre, and providing a space for events and markets. The project acts as a pathway to growth by providing better connectivity that drives inward investment and prosperity.
Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden entered by Pegasus Group
The Alnwick Garden’s new children’s play and adventure village delivering the world’s biggest play structure and a world-class visitor experience to the North-East. Lilidorei is a magical village, home to nine clans, including elves, hobgoblins, trolls and fairies, who worship Christmas all-year round. The attraction is set within the grounds of the historic Alnwick Castle and expands Northumberland’s tourism offer into the winter months, creating more jobs and benefits to the economy. Lilidorei is operated by The Alnwick Garden Trust – an independent charity and income from the development enables the charity to further its valuable community and education.
Credit Image: The Alnwick Garden
Bank House, Pilgrim Street entered by Avison Young, Ryder Architecture and Newcastle City Council
Bank House represents a transformational project for the city centre economy of Newcastle and the wider region. Bank House is a 14-storey landmark building of approximately 207,000 sq ft (19,000 sq m) Grade A offices and a ground floor cafe/restaurant. The BREEAM Excellent office building was completed in April 2023. Located within the Pilgrim Street regeneration area - one of the most significant regeneration projects within Newcastle and the North East region - Bank House is the first phase of development of the area and has unlocked further business investment and employment growth within the city centre.
Credit image: Lawrenson & Grebby Photography
Project Darlington, The Darlington Yards Project entered by Darlington Borough Council, ELG Planning and Nicky Peacock
Darlington Borough Council in partnership with building owners has transformed the town’s yards and wynds through a range of planned works. Upgraded shop fronts, a living green wall, decorative lighting, benches, pots, planters and artwork have been carried out as part of the Council’s Towns Fund. Project Darlington has revitalised the yards, the 'hidden gems' that make Darlington town centre unique driving town centre footfall and helping regenerate the conservation area. Investing in our heritage assets like the historic yards and wynds is a key part of the vision to regenerate the town centre.