01 Mar 2019

Leeds shows off best of the city at 27th Leeds Architecture Awards

Last night saw the best building developments, restorations and alterations showcased at a glittering awards ceremony at Leeds Town Hall.

The 27^th Leeds Architecture Awards, organised by Leeds City Council, recognised the contribution that building and landscape design make to our city.

This year, 58 schemes were nominated across 5 different award categories – Altered Buildings; Conserved Buildings; New Buildings; Public Realm and Landscape Design; and Regeneration Schemes.

Nominations were shortlisted to 24 and judging took place last September. The judging panel was chaired by guest assessor Hiro Aso (Head of Transport and Infrastructure at Gensler) who presented all the awards.

The final honour of the night was an unannounced and unexpected Special Community Award which was awarded to CATCH (Community Action to Create Hope). Volunteers from this exceptional charity regenerated and revived unused porta-cabins into a colourful communal space which has completely transformed its surrounding community.

Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“Building design tells the story of our city, not just of the city centre but of our communities and neighbourhoods too. These awards are a core part of recognising how Leeds is developing and regenerating for the better, of showing how neighbourhoods, communities and centres are being developed so they can respond to economic change and help improve the health and wellbeing of residents.

“The city’s economic success can be seen by the cranes on the skyline and by the innovation and quality in our buildings. Our economic success allows us to invest in people, their health and wellbeing, improving education, tackling low pay, securing better social and economic outcomes from large organisations in Leeds. Celebrating our architecture is celebrating both the history of the city and the potential we have now.”

Hiro Aso, Head of Transport and Infrastructure, Gensler, said:

“Placemaking is key to city growth – it’s about working collaboratively with organisations, local government, and businesses, with and for people, to animate the public realm and generate a relevant 'sense of place' within the city. Having worked on the development of a masterplan for Leeds Station as it anticipates the arrival of HS2, I have learnt and continue to learn a lot about Leeds and I am continually surprised by the richness and diversity in its physical and non-physical qualities.

“The Leeds Architecture Awards are so important, not just in Leeds, but in the wider context of the UK and Europe because they celebrate and set a standard for design, vision and innovation and I feel privileged and honoured to be a guest assessor.”

The winners of the 2019 Leeds Architecture Awards are as follows:

ALTERED BUILDING CATEGORY

For media enquiries contact:

Leeds City Council Communications team
communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk