RIBA North West Awards winners announced
Shakespeare North was named the region’s Building of the Year, with its architect Nicholas Helm also claiming the Project Architect of the Year prize during the Royal Institute of British Architects ceremony on Thursday.
RIBA judges referred to the Prescot Theatre as a building that “is the outcome of an extraordinary brief in a seemingly unlikely setting, and is all the better for it.
“It is one of those projects that is full of the eccentricity of personal passion, expressed in bricks and mortar in a way that has the potential to inspire similar passion in all who enter.”
RIBA’s North West Awards celebrate architectural achievement in the region, with seven projects claiming a prize from a shortlist of 13. Winners included Shedkm’s designs for Crusader Works, Mary Arnold-Foster Architects’ work at a private house in Brampton, BDP’s designs for WaterSHED at Wardle Academy in Rochdale, and Sheppard Robson’s work on Copperas Hill Student Life and Sports Building at Liverpool John Moores University.
In addition to the standard North West Award, certain projects were singled out – like Shakespeare North. Other special regional award winners included Mustard Cowork at Little Underbank in Stockport, which won Small Project of the Year; Crusader Works, which won the region’s Conservation Award; and The Alder Centre, with the Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust winning Client of the Year.
“This year’s RIBA Award-winning schemes showcase the true value of quality architecture, and the positive impact it has on people’s lives,” said RIBA president Muyiwa Oki.
“While carefully considering the needs of the environment, these truly remarkable places and spaces deliver for communities, for residents, for visitors, and people of all ages up and down the country,” he continued.
“They are pinnacles of design excellence, and show what can be achieved when architects and clients collaborate successfully.”
The award winners were chosen by an independent jury headed up by Katy Marks. Marks said: “This year’s RIBA Award winners in the North West have an impact far beyond their walls, with each of the projects amplifying local and community voices.
“So many of these buildings are about fostering new talent and having a transformational impact. All the shortlisted projects were inspirational and demonstrated huge dedication and vision. This is a testament to a future-thinking spirit of aspiration and optimism in our region.”
Winners of the North West Award will be considered for the RIBA National Awards, with the winners for that competition being revealed on 11 July. Projects that earn a National Award will be put forward for the Stirling Prize.
You can see the full list of North West Award winners, and the project teams involved, below.

The Copperas Hill Student Life and Sports building was designed by Sheppard Robson. Credit: Hufton + Crow via RIBA
Copperas Hill Student Life and Sports Building at Liverpool John Moores University in Liverpool. Designed by Sheppard Robson. Built by Morgan Sindall Construction. Project team included WSP, Sandy Brown, Stantec, Gillespies, and Cundall.
Crusader Works in Manchester. 126-home mill conversion designed by Shedkm. Delivered by Capital&Centric. Project team included Arup and Progressive Services Design. Crusader Works also won the RIBA North West Conservation Award.
Langdale in Brampton, Cumbria. Private home designed by Mary Arnold-Forster Architects.
Mustard CoWork at Little Underbank in Stockport. Designed by Kelsall Architects. Project team included Elliot Bond Consulting and BB Heritage. Mustard CoWork also won the RIBA North West Small Project of the Year award.

Shakespeare North Playhouse was designed by Helm Architecture and Austin-Smith Lord. Credit: Andrew Brooks
Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot. Theatre complex with exhibition, coffee shop, and offices – as well as a 17th-century style theatre. Designed by Helm Architecture and Austin-Smith Lord. Built by Kier Construction. The project team included Mott MacDonald and Arup. Shakespeare North also won the RIBA North West Building of the Year award and North West Project Architect of the Year.
The Alder Centre in Liverpool. Child bereavement centre at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. Built by Whitfield and Brown. Project team included Elliott Wood, PT Projects, David Stillman Associates, and BBUK. The Alder Centre also won the RIBA North West Client of the Year award.
WaterSHED at Wardle Academy in Rochdale. Conversion of former sports hall into classrooms and dining hall. Designed by BDP.
Worthy winner, has changed the profile of Prescot.
By Anonymous
All shall have prizes?
By Bewildered Mancunian