RICS Awards 2019 Winners

13th May 2019

Assent Building Control are delighted that since the start of May we have had 3 winners at Regional RICS Awards.

Community Benefit – Bay 20, Dale Youth Boxing Academy & Community Centre, London

Following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower in June 2017, Assent worked with architects Featherstone Young on this community project with BBC DIY SOS Big Build. After the devasting fire, it became apparent that the destruction had spread throughout the close-knit community of the tower and the surrounding estate. Action was needed to help heal and rebuild a community that was torn apart in such tragic circumstances.

Assent provided the Building Control approvals on the scheme and supported the DIY SOS team in delivering a first class facility that has brought the community together.

RICS judges said it was clear that the project was brought about by strong community consultation and involvement, making clever use of the space beneath the Westway flyover to form two community buildings with good outreach work. With views over the adjacent park, it is a welcoming refuge for the local community that includes the terrible memory of Grenfell Tower.

Project of the Year / Design Through Innovation – Caudwell International Children’s Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Assent were proud to support the delivery of the £18million Caudwell International Children’s Centre (CICC) at Keele University Science & Innovation Park. The scheme is the UK’s first independent purpose-built centre dedicated to multi-disciplinary services for the diagnosis, support and research of Autism.

Assent provided building control services via our team based in Liverpool and the midlands.

RICS judges commended the project team behind the Caudwell International Children’s Centre is a purpose built facility for the diagnosis, therapy and research of autism, of a kind not available elsewhere in Europe. The scheme was a highly complicated building and people led project, the external design incorporating a ‘butterfly’ shape roof gives it the ‘wow factor’. The centre will improve the lives of thousands of children and their families and will attract further investment to the area and serve as a model for follow-on centres across the UK.

Building Conservation – Hanover, NOMA, Manchester

Assent had been working with architects Sheppard Robson on the Hanover Building for a number of years before work commenced in earnest with Russells Construction. The £34m refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Hanover building was commended for the restoration and conservation of the original features alongside the sensitive upgrade, creating high specification office and retail space.

Located at the heart of the NOMA regeneration area, Hanover has subsequently been let to Amazon which is to establish its new Manchester hub in the building, bringing 600 jobs to the city.

NOMA is being delivered by Hermes Investment Management with MEPC acting as development manager and Workman as project manager. The project team honoured by the RICS award included Assent Building Control Ltd, NOMA, Russells Construction and architect Sheppard Robson.

Gareth Russell said: “Hanover is a superb example of what can be achieved when a talented and dedicated project team works together to achieve a shared vision. The building is truly exceptional and it was a fantastic project to work on for all involved. We are delighted the project has been recognised for everything it has achieved and we are thrilled with the win.”

RICS judges said the project team – Assent Building Control Ltd, NOMA, Russells Construction and Sheppard Robson – have delivered a high-spec scheme that has the real ‘wow-factor’ and helped to restore an iconic part of the Manchester’s cityscape, blending heritage with stunning contemporary design.

Assent have 3 further projects up for awards this Friday a the Yorkshire & Humber RICS awards in Leeds so fingers crossed for more winners!

All category winners are shortlisted for the RICS National Awards in London on October 4th