People’s History Museum wins GM Chamber prize

The refurbishment of the People's History Museum has won the Greater Manchester Chamber Building of the Year award.

Designed by architects Austin Smith: Lord and constructed by Wates, the project consisted of the refurbishment of the existing Grade II-listed Pump House Museum in Spinningfields and the creation of a new build four-storey extension clad in corten steel.

John Shannon, business unit director of Wates Construction in the North West, said: "This was a challenging project for everyone due to the combination of new build and heritage preservation required to redevelop this historic building. Meticulous effort went into the careful restoration of the Pump House where it was critical that the corten cladding to the new extension was in keeping with the building's history and its surroundings. I am delighted for all the team that everyone's efforts have been acknowledged with this award."

Chris Pritchett, from Austin Smith: Lord, added: "We are delighted that People's History Museum won 'Building of the Year' at last night's GMCCI Dinner following the success of John Rylands Library and Piccadilly Place that won the award in 2007 and 2008. Working with inspirational clients such as People's History Museum allows us to create buildings of the high quality recognised by this award."

The building was voted ahead of other finalists, including The Stockport Plaza restoration, by Brock Carmichael Architects, which was highly commended, The Point at Old Trafford by BDP, and the New Patient Treatment Centre at the Christie Hospital in Manchester by AFL Architects.

Steve Burne, chairman of Greater Manchester Chamber's property and construction section, said: "We are delighted to have made the award to the People's History Museum. The quality of the four finalists shows the strength of the property sector, despite a difficult year, and the committee felt that the museum is a very worthy winner of our award. The project demonstrates an excellent combination of restoration and new build of the highest quality, whilst providing a home for a hugely significant display within the region."

The award is given in recognition of the key construction projects in Greater Manchester, and was presented by Sir Howard Bernstein at the Chamber's Property and Construction Annual Dinner, held at the Hilton Manchester on Thursday 14 October.