Four Southwark projects won New London Architecture (NLA) Awards design awards this year.
Earlier this month, the News reported how Southwark Inclusive Learning Service (SILS 3), by Burgess Park, was being recognised for its exemplary design.
But three other projects, including a community-led sports garden, won plaudits at a Guildhall ceremony on Tuesday, November 29.
Do you know someone in Southwark who has gone the extra mile this year?
Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency & Sustainable Development Cllr James McAsh said: “Each of these projects show the level of creativity and innovation we expect for every development in Southwark.
“It’s fantastic to have this celebrated at the highest levels by experts in the design and architecture field.”
The four NLA Award winners were:
Marlborough Sports Gardens in the community category – a community-led project transforming the outdoor space and courts into a morden mixed sports facility, free to residents of all ages. It has a special focus on ensuring local children are active and improving mental health across the community. Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST) head up the project with council support, which includes use of the gardens and £1.2m council investment through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
Borough Yards in the retail and hospitality category – formerly disused warehouses and railway arches next to Borough Market have become retail and leisure space, enhancing and linking into the Low Line walking destination to maximise public use and enjoyment.
55 Great Suffolk Street in the retrofit category – the refurbishment of one of Southwark’s oldest standing Victorian warehouse buildings into creative workspace which had previously sat derelict on the Heritage at Risk register for years. The project used reclaimed steel in a UK first.
Southwark Inclusive Learning Service (SILS 3) -a Peckham school for excluded schoolchildren recognised for creating a “calm, optimistic and nurturing setting” for pupils. Designed by Tim Ronalds Architects, SILS 3 replaced a decrepit 1970s children’s home. The new building was planned around the old building, allowing the existing school to stay open while the new building was constructed.
Cllr James McAsh added: “We are delighted that these four projects were recognised by the NLA panel, particularly our new school. Some of our young people have a wide range of complex educational needs. Their new multi-award winning building has been expertly designed to meet these needs. It’s an investment in their futures and helps us achieve our ambition that children in Southwark are always included in education.”