The first phase of the refurbishment of Park Hill, Sheffield has been shortlisted for the UK's most prestigious architecture award - the RIBA's Stirling Prize.
I first visited Park Hill in September 2011, when the refurb wasn't entirely complete. I think they'd only just opened the show flats. Now most of the building is occupied.
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| Photography by Peter Bennett |
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| Photography by Peter Bennett |
PeterBennett_12185.jpg) |
| Photography by Peter Bennett |
It's great to see a project like this recognised. For the purposes of this blog, it's a shame it's not in London. And it's a shame this didn't happen earlier, could have been an inspiration for Robin Hood Gardens.
Anyway. Here's what the RIBA judges had to say about it:
William Hill odds: 9/1
"Reinvention of the loved and loathed Grade II* listed 1960s housing estate. The structure of the building remained in place whilst key features were changed - interior layout, windows, security and much more. It stands as a beacon for imaginative regeneration, quality mass housing and the bold reuse of a listed building."
It's up against:
- Newhall Be, Harlow by Alison Brooks Architects
- Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, Northern Ireland by Heneghan Peng Architects
- Astley Castle, Warwickshire by Witherford Watson Mann Architects
- University of Limerick Medical School by Grafton Architects
- Bishop Edward King Chapel, Oxfordshire by Niall McLaughlin Architects
I have been visiting Park Hill at least once every 3 months for the last 20 years, it has always been a special place to me. I still dislike the garish panels but I applaud Urban Splash for taking it on. There are a few niggles with the renovation, the heating system doesn't work correctly and the showers splash water all over the rest of the bathroom including the toilet, I have first had experience of this and my parents were the first people to purchase a flat. Overall they have done a great job, I just hope they don't hang around with completing the other phases
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