Associated Architects adds to its tally of British Council for Offices awards and commendations, with Nexus being awarded “Highly Commended” in the Commercial Workplace category and Six East Parade (6EP) receiving the same in the Refurbished / Recycled Workplace category.
Director James Hall who led the Nexus project for AA said:
“The BCO Awards recognise high quality design, functionality and commerciality and we are delighted to receive this commendation. Nexus sets a new tone among innovation sector buildings not just at the University of Leeds, but in the sector as a whole. Instead of being a “university” space its a professional commercial space, based around people and space, offering rentable spaces, collaboration spaces, and access to experts/equipment that creates a vibrant, inspiring and connected innovation community.”
The £42 million Nexus enables the University of Leeds to meet their strategic objective of increasing income from research and establishing themselves as UK-leading in innovation and enterprise. Conceived as a business facing front door for the university, it provides a high-profile physical focal point for stimulating collaboration between external companies and other public/private organisations leading to new projects and income streams.
The 6EP project saw the transformation of Barclays House, a tired 1980s building in central Leeds. What followed was a comprehensive, high quality brand-led internal and external redevelopment of the site creating 45,000sq.ft of Grade A office space in the city’s Prime Office Quarter. By working closely and collaboratively with Evenacre we created a striking new existence for 6EP, driving incredible value from what was previously an under-performing asset. In addition, energy efficiency was improved by 80%.
Associate Director Steve Townsend who led the project for AA said:
“Evanacre and Bridges Fund Management had a strong vision for this project: upon arrival, visitors should feel that they have entered something that is different from everything else – considered, interesting and unique. This demonstrates that not only did we succeed in realising that vision, but also that it is a benchmark for excellence in refurbished workplaces. This is a great result, especially as it was a highly competitive shortlist this year.”
