RIBA names Man Met’s Dalton Building best in North West for 2026

BDP’s science and engineering campus received the top prize at last night’s award ceremony, with the transformation of the grade one-listed Rochdale Town Hall among another five schemes to receive gongs.

The 145,000 sq ft, £45m Dalton Building was named building of the year at RIBA North West awards. Designed by BDP, the six-storey development is home to Manchester Metropolitan University’s science and engineering faculty.

Last night’s ceremony was the 60th time RIBA has run the rule over the North West’s newest buildings. The winners, listed below, will be considered for a RIBA National Award, to be announced in summer.

National winners will then be in contention for the RIBA Stirling Prize, recognising the UK’s best new building, with the shortlisted projects named in September and the winner named in October.

Another four shortlisted schemes were not given awards. They were: The Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool, The Egyptian Rooms in Oldham, Orchard House in Cheshire, and a refurbishment project at Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool.

The six winners

Manchester Metropolitan University – The Dalton Building (Faculty of Science and Engineering) by BDP 

Manchester Metropolitan University’s Dalton building is complete. Credit: via Manchester Metropolitan University

Located off Oxford Road and built by Bowmer + Kirkland, the scheme included the demolition of the 1970s John Dalton West building and the refurbishment of John Dalton Tower. Work completed in 2024. The scheme features a 200-capacity ‘super-lab’ for the more than 8,300 science and engineering students at MMU to use.

The RIBA judging panel praised it as a “compelling model for university buildings, combining spatial generosity, environmental quality, and technical rigour within a coherent and compelling whole”, noting how it provides a “resilient framework capable of evolving with future academic needs”.

Bank Barn reimagined by Gagarin Studio Architects 

Credit: Andrew Wall

A derelict grade two-listed barn straddling Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cumbria converted into a home by the Halifax-based architecture practice.

Byre House by MawsonKerr Architects, with assistance from clients Ben Pawle and Rosie Dias 

Credit: Ben Pawle Press

Newcastle firm Mawson Kerr describes the scheme as “tucked away in a beautiful corner of Cumbria, the new house is a carefully composed harmony between new and old”. The project saw a barn in Brampton refurbished and a new-build element added. RIBA awarded the development its sustainability prize.

Foundation, Altrincham by BDP 

Rackhams has been replaced. Credit: Paul Karalius

Another BDP scheme, the former Rackhams department store was transformed for Bruntwood and Trafford Council in a workspace and leisure-led redevelopment, adding further to central Altrincham’s rebirth.

Kempston Street by Studio MUTT 

Studio MUTT has reimagined the space. Credit: Jim Stephenson

Liverpool-based Studio MUTT converted an underused part of the former Try & Lilly hat factory in the city’s Fabric District into its own 3,766 sq ft studio. The scheme was named RIBA’s small project of the year.

Rochdale Town Hall restoration by Donald Insall Associates 

Rochdale’s pride and joy is reborn. Credit: James Newton

Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Rochdale Development Agency led on the £20m restoration of the iconic town hall, which was closed for four years while contractors returned the grade one-listed gem to its former glory.

RIBA North West jury chair, Pablo Iglesias, founder of Grated Apple, praised the shortlisted scheme for their “skill, craft, and a clear responsiveness to context”.

“The rural projects offer exemplary models for the conversion of agricultural buildings, combining restraint with spatial invention. A comprehensive restoration of the town hall is matched by a step change in accessibility and engagement, reopening the building as an inclusive civic place and shared community asset.

“Meanwhile, a new academic building, rooted in its urban setting, offers a compelling model for contemporary education – innovative, adaptable, and centred on user experience. Together, these projects reflect a region where architecture is of quality and impact.”