Following a day of deliberation, five development projects in Bristol have been named in the shortlist at this year's Michelmores' Property Awards. The prestigious Awards are now in their 19th consecutive year and recognise and celebrate the very best property and construction schemes in the South-West, as well as the teams involved.
These five development projects in Bristol include:
Engineering Building at the University West of England has been shortlisted in the Education Project of the Year category. The space has been specifically designed to house all teaching on the undergraduate and postgraduate engineering programmes and includes mechanical and manual workshops, teaching labs, social learning spaces and academic offices. The judges were impressed with its modular form which enables the building to be adapted over time to fit the future needs of its students and teaching staff. The central 'Maker Space' forms the heart of this linear building, which was created with the concept of 'social learning space' as its ethos.
Jo Davis who joined the panel of judges for the first time this year said:
"It's an incredibly light filled building which sits well in the masterplan and allows for evolution of the scheme over time."
Origin Workspace has been shortlisted in two categories: Heritage Project of the Year and Building of the Year. As well as transforming an historic, Georgian building on Berkeley Square, the scheme additionally replaced its adjacent modernist neighbour which was deemed a 'negative contributor' in a Conservation Appraisal of the area. The new building is a landmark design that completes the corner of the Square while paying tribute to the listed structures that surround it.
The development houses award-winning co-working and private office space whose USP is centred around wellness – a cornerstone of the Origin Workspace brand. The project's design seeks to enrich the lives of its occupants making it a place they want to work in. Judges praised the scheme's exceptional qualities, replacing a badly designed office block with a building that flows comfortably and is fit for the modern way of working.
Riverside View and Wapping Wharf Living (Phase 2) have been shortlisted in Residential Project of the Year (36 units and over).
Over 250 new homes now complete the masterplan for Wapping Wharf for the revitalisation of what was a sealed-off and derelict area in Bristol. The team's vision has successfully created a thriving community linked by the restored grade two listed Gaol Gate which sits centrally between the two main buildings – Abel Yard and Hope Quay. Judges commented favourably on the clever design of the buildings which makes the very most of the space and views in this high-density scheme. A new shopping street, which houses independent shops only in the ground floor units and was completed in phase one, helps to instil a sense of arrival. The judges were confident that Wapping Wharf will continue to thrive as a buzzing community and destination for the city.
Riverside View is part of the redevelopment and regeneration of Keynsham, and delivers contemporary open plan living spaces that make the most of the surrounding country and waterside views. The scheme was backed by Bath & North-East Somerset Council to create low cost, luxury housing by refurbishing a 1970's building into 95 open market homes.
Peter Lacey, who helped to judge the awards said:
"This is an enlightened approach to regeneration. It’s very clever. What impressed me most is that the windows that were only half height were extended down to give great views. I'm staggered by how well it has turned out!"
The Glassfields Distillery has been shortlisted in Project of the Year (over £5 million). It is the first phase of a masterplan for this central Bristol location which housed the Guardian Royal Exchange office until 2010. The Distillery is a 90,000 square foot commercial office development whose design has been carefully plotted to respond to the mixed architecture of the surrounding area. The ethos of the internal layout is one of connection and connectivity to enable collaboration and the sharing of ideas. The interior space is intended to be used flexibly by one or more tenants per floor plate. Overall, the scheme is intended to contribute meaningfully to the regeneration of the Glassfields area both in terms of access to employment, shops, restaurants and cafes, hotels and more.
Nick Hole, who helped to judge the Property Awards said,
"Glassfields has a bold and edgy design and is very accessible. It meets the needs that Bristol currently has for quality office space and its sustainability credentials are very good."
Commenting on this year's shortlisted projects, Emma Honey, Partner and Head of the Real Estate team at Michelmores LLP said:
"I'd like to extend my congratulations to the shortlisted projects for the Michelmores Property Awards 2021. We continue to live in uncertain times and like many others, the construction, property and real estate sectors are navigating a series of on-going and unique challenges. The submissions for the awards this year underline the resilience and adaptability of those working in the region and looking ahead there is much to be excited about. We look forward to celebrating 2021's winning projects at our gala dinner on Thursday 4 November at Sandy Park Conference Centre in Exeter. We will share more details on this year's ceremony soon."
Hosted by law firm Michelmores with offices in Exeter, Bristol and London, the Michelmores Property Awards celebrate excellence in the construction sector across the South West region.
To find out more about the Michelmores' Property Awards please visit: https://www.michelmores.com/property-awards-2021