Rochdale Council office takes building of year prize

The local authority's £42m headquarters, One Riverside, was named building of the year at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce's property and construction dinner on Thursday evening.

The 182,000 sq ft civic building designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects opened in March and provides a single base for staff previously scattered in 33 different council buildings.

One Riverside beat a diverse shortlist of finalists to take the prize; ITV's new Coronation Street production centre in Trafford Wharf, the Air Traffic Control Tower at Manchester Airport and the Pavilion at Lancashire County Cricket Club.

Mike Gibson, chairman of the Chamber's property and construction committee, said: "Number One Riverside was chosen because of its stunning design, its high sustainability credentials, its high quality of build, it's role in enabling the council to rationalise its offices across the borough and its contribution to the regeneration of Rochdale town centre.

"Rochdale should be proud of its new building that is at the forefront of design and sustainable technology and sets the standard for new office buildings across our region."

Last night also saw the inaugural Construction Apprentice of the Year Award presented to Amari Knott from Moss Side, who is an electrical apprentice at City South Manchester Housing Trust.

The award was sponsored by the Chamber's Construction Group Training Association, which is a collection of employers, procurers and training providers who work collaboratively within the construction industry to generate sustainable training opportunities.

Amari's mentor at City South Manchester Housing Trust, Roger Price, said: "Amari is an inspiration to other apprentices and the team. He has overcome personal difficulties to become the successful and confident person he now is and he always goes the extra mile when completing jobs, coaching or supporting others. Peers, supervisors and management all say Amari is a pleasure to work with."

Three other apprentices were presented with 'Highly Commended' awards: Declan Tighe, electrical apprentice at Keepmoat; Louis Tyson, roofing apprentice at New Charter Housing Trust; and Ashley Davies, building services and project management apprentice at Kier. Marlis Hamnett, joinery apprentice at Forrest and Natasha Swain, quantity surveying apprentice at Kier were the remaining finalists.

The nominated charity for the Chamber's Property and Construction Annual Dinner was Forever Manchester – the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester which helps fund worthwhile community projects across the region.

The dinner was attended by 400 people and took place at the Midland Hotel.