‘Everything crossed’ at BDP as Stirling approaches

13 October 2009 12:55 Comments (0)

Architects BDP are outsiders at 5/1 with William Hill to win the Stirling Prize when it is announced live on TV this coming Saturday.

The masterplan for the 42-acre Liverpool One project by Grosvenor was the first area blueprint – rather than a building – to be nominated for the prestigious prize.

The Liverpool studio is tied for fourth out of six in the latest odds from William Hill:

6/4 favourite: Fuglsang Kunstmuseum, Denmark by Tony Fretton Architects
9/2: Maggie's Centre, London by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
9/2: Bodegas Protos, Spain by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
5/1: Liverpool One Masterplan, Liverpool by BDP
5/1: 5 Aldermanbury Square, London by Eric Parry Architects
6/1: Kentish Town Health Centre, London by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris

Terry Davenport, head of BDP's northern retail team and the man who led the Liverpool One masterplan project, said: "The whole of BDP has naturally got everything crossed with regards to the Stirling announcement and it will be a testament to both our teams and the ambition and vision of the City Council, Grosvenor and the other partners if we win.

"But even if we don't take the prize it is a great achievement to have made the shortlist, especially as masterplans are very rarely considered to be on a par with new buildings when it comes to international architecture awards."

BDP has launched a book and an exhibition to coincide with the Stirling Prize that look back to the conception of the original Paradise Street development 10 years ago and, more importantly, look ahead at the emerging vision for Liverpool and the wider city region. The limited edition book, Liverpool, Regeneration of a City Centre will be available through RIBA bookshops priced £14.99 with all proceeds going to the Liverpool One Foundation charity. The exhibition, ten+10, will be on display at RIBA's milkandsugar gallery in the Ropewalks, Liverpool, from 13 to 27 October. Both feature a selection of early drawings, plans and photographs of the Liverpool One project in addition to a number photographs by Paul McMullin.
The 2010 Stirling Prize for Architecture will be announced live on Channel 4 on the evening of Saturday 17 October.