BDP wins twice at RICS Regeneration Awards
BDP has won twice at this year’s RICS awards, which celebrate outstanding built and natural environment projects. Liverpool One is the winner in the Regeneration category, and Victoria Square, Belfast is commended in the same category. The awards were announced on 16 October at the headquarters of the Honourable Artillery Company in London.
Liverpool One, is the 42 acre regeneration of Liverpool City Centre, which has been transformed by this regionally significant retail-led mixed-use scheme, acting as a catalyst for other development as well as linking other areas of the city together.
The £1bn Grosvenor scheme comprises six distinct districts, with 30 individually designed buildings, 1.6 million sq ft of retail space, 230,000 sq ft of restaurants, cafes and bars and a 14 screen cinema, together with more than 600 apartments, two hotels and office space.
RICS award judge Stephen Robinson said: “This is a truly remarkable scheme with widespread positive impacts that has inspired the regeneration of a rundown area of Liverpool. This has galvanised the city's role in the North West region and is returning it to its rightful place."
Victoria Square opened in March 2008, and is a high quality urban regeneration scheme in the centre of Belfast. The scheme has helped to create a new urban quarter linking up key areas of the city, such as the recently developed Laganside area of Belfast. The scheme comprises nearly 63,000m2 of retail floorspace on two covered streets, anchored by a flagship House of Fraser store. It also includes a multi-screen cinema, a two-level food court, restaurant terrace, and 106 apartments.
The design as an open streetscape model has emulated the existing urban environment and integrates well with the city. Its dramatic glazed dome has already become an iconic image on Belfast's skyline, attracting local people and visitors with its panoramic view of the city and beyond.
RICS award judge Stephen Robinson said: “Victoria Square is driving change right in the heart of Belfast. The scheme reflects the power of retail in urban regeneration."