Belfast Community Hub Lifts Top RICS Award In London – Business Eye

The revitalisation of a former school building in West Belfast into an impressive local community hub has won one of the top awards at the RICS Awards grand Final in London.

St Comgall’s–Ionad Eileen Howell claimed the Refurbishment/Revitalisation Project of the Year category at the major event last night in The Park Plaza Riverbank, London.

The project which kept many of the school building’s original features saw the once derelict building on the Falls Road transformed into a multi-purpose community hub with offices, a café, and versatile spaces for events..

The Grade B1-listed building, owned by Falls Community Council, is an historic building with neo-Georgian brickwork and traditional slated roofs.

Commenting on the winning project, the judges said: “Previously a severely derelict building, St Comgall’s has been imaginatively refurbished, respecting its heritage as a school and the district that used to surround it – delighting former pupils with its quirky details. 

“Flexible sized rooms are arranged around a bright central function room, and now the centre is a thriving melting pot of activities serving its diverse local communities, with arts, cultural, social and economic activities on offer and workspace for small businesses. We couldn’t help but be impressed by the evident pride members have in this hub that welcomes all.”

Earlier this year the project won the refurbishment/revitalisation project of the year award in Northern Ireland at its regional RICS heat, which led to the project being automatically entered into the national RICS Awards Grand Final.

The prestigious annual event, hosted by architectural and interior designer Oliver Heath, was held at the The Park Plaza Riverbank, London on Friday 4^th October. The event celebrates the UK’s most inspirational built projects that are having a significant positive impact on the communities they serve.

Category winners of all sizes and budgets from each of the 12 regional RICS Awards competed in the Grand Final for the chance to win their respective category as well as Commercial Development and Land Management & Sustainable development categories which were judged at national level. 

The winners of the special category awards for infrastructure, environmental impact, as well as the team awards for outstanding contribution to surveying for SME’s and large firms were announced alongside the Ambassador of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award winners. 

Commenting on the grand final winners, RICS UK Awards National Chair, Colin Harrop, said: “The panel of judges had the pleasure of visiting each winner in recent months to truly understand the scale and impact that these projects are having on communities. It’s great to celebrate the success of surveyors across the UK in delivering projects that are having significant impact on individuals and its local area, but also in promoting the important role of our profession.

“The industry continues to navigate its way through various challenges, and RICS is delighted to recognise the unwavering dedication of professionals in successfully ensuring these projects were completed through these awards. These teams and individuals should be incredibly proud of the part they have played in their community and wider local economy.”