Winner – Arts Xchange, Islington, submission by Department for Education
| Client – ArtsXchange
Project Value – £3.5 million Architect – Sense of Space Clerk of Works – Mace |
Contractor – City Axis
M&E Engineer – Spencer Mayes Project Manager – Department for Education Quantity Surveyor – Mace |
This is an award where the panel want to specifically recognise the collaborative efforts of one particular client and delivery team during this year’s visits.
For the president, this project demonstrated an excellent strategy for supporting the mental health of young adults with additional needs via provision of a wide range of activities. As well as an enthusiastic example of how arts successfully contributes to the harmonious development of children, and how it can help them overcome different challenges. This 14 to 19 Free School has made a big social impact to the local community in an around Central London.
When visiting the judges found the enthusiasm of the client, end user and contractor team quite infectious and they were all incredibly passionate to see this successfully delivered and continue to grow it post completion. The tenacity and creativity of the team, making the most of reusing, storing and recycling existing furniture and equipment to maximise the available refurbishment budget has to be commended. The refurbishment of the building itself is successful but the impact and outcome of the facility far outweigh the material things.