Some of the most impressive recent building projects from across the West Midlands have been shortlisted for the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Awards 2022.
The projects, which include schools, universities and even a cathedral will be judged by an expert judging panel, with winners of the RICS West Midlands regional awards announced virtually in May.
The awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure, recognising ‘outstanding achievement, teamwork and companies’.
Amongst the region’s shortlisted schemes are building projects from Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Rugby, Worcester, Stratford-Upon-Avon and elsewhere.
They include the redevelopment of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Costumer Workshop in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Exchange Building at the University of Birmingham, The Houtlon School in Rugby, the Worcester Cathedral Undercroft Learning Centre, and the Perry Barr Regeneration Scheme in Birmingham.
The entries are shortlisted across six categories – Commercial Development, Community Benefit, Heritage, Public Sector, Refurbishment-Revitalisation and Residential.
Below are Birmingham buildings that have been nominated and their categories.
The Exchange Building at the University of Birmingham: Heritage, Revitalisation - Refurbishment
Steamhouse for Birmingham City University: Heritage, Revitalisation - Refurbishment
Highbury Hall, Moseley: Heritage
University of Birmingham, School of Engineering: Public Sector
Perry Barr Regeneration Scheme: Residential
Chair of the RICS Awards judging panel, Bryony Martin MRICS, said: “Despite much uncertainty and challenging conditions over the past couple of years, property professionals in the West Midlands continue to deliver exemplary, and in many cases, world-class built projects that are having a profoundly positive impact on our cities and towns.
“I wish the teams behind them all the best of luck in gaining recognition for their skills and hard work.”
Let’s take a look at the five Birmingham buildings shortlisted for the awards in more detail.
1. Steamhouse for Birmingham City University
Located in Birmingham’s Curzon Quarter, the development includes a stunning five-storey extension. Steamhouse has also supported the creation of dozens of new businesses since its 2019 launch by BCU and Eastside Projects Photo: JComms photo
2. University of Birmingham, School of Engineering
With its prime location at the heart of campus, the building includes a new centre of excellence in rail innovation (UKRRIN), specializing in digital rail systems and improved methods for technology. This facility brings industry to the centre of campus, providing opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry. Photo: JComms photo
3. Highbury Hall, Moseley
Highbury Hall is a Grade II listed building that was built in 1878 for Joseph Chamberlain. The overall condition of the building was in a in a very poor state, in particular, the rooms that lay directly beneath the roof. The works involved the renovation of the intricate pitched clay tiled roof, the rebuilding of damaged chimneys, the replacement of lead lined gutters and flashings. Photo: JComms photo
4. The Exchange, University of Birmingham
After lying vacant for 20 years, this building was purchased in 2017 by the University and was saved through this refurbishment, securing an important piece of Birmingham’s Heritage. The refurbished Grade II building now provides a state of the art facility for the University to showcase research and technology, and provides a new venue for conferences and events Photo: JComms photo