Triple Shortlisting at RICS Social Impact Awards

Newly developed for 2020, the RICS Social Impact Awards seek to recognise the built environment's positive and transformational contribution to society.
Prior to the shortlisting, a team of judges assessed the human, social and environmental impact of hundreds of schemes across a total of twelve regions, as well as the innovation and collaboration that went into bringing those projects to fruition. Aberdeen Art Gallery and The Registers, Edinburgh are two of just 35 schemes to be shortlisted in Scotland, with Strawberry Field, Liverpool one of 27 in the North West of England.

Shortlisted in the Heritage category, the redeveloped and expanded category A-listed Aberdeen Art Gallery, Cowdray Hall and War Memorial complex has a significant presence within the city and houses an exceptional collection, particularly of Scottish Colourists and contemporary artists. The architectural improvements (outlined on the project page) have created a new synergy across three previously largely unconnected spaces, allowing the client to programme related activities across the entire site, leading to greater public participation and a greater sense of ownership. A wider schools and students programme of facilitated and self-led visits using the new bespoke Learning Suite enables more learners to be accommodated.
Christine Rew, Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museum Manager;
“We’re delighted Aberdeen Art Gallery has received this recognition in the RICS Social Impact Awards. Through the hard work of the entire team we have created a place where more people of all ages and abilities can access their heritage and the collections displayed within the Gallery. A more family-friendly environment has been created throughout with improved visitor facilities, and a wider schools and students programme of facilitated and self-led visits using the new bespoke Learning Suite enables more learners to be accommodated.”

The Registers, shortlisted for Commercial, was a prominent urban site in the heart of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site & New Town Conservation Area. The project includes a comprehensive redevelopment of the under-utilised area bringing new life to the existing, redundant buildings and surrounding lanes. The mixed-use development carefully knits together requirements for Grade A office space & a high-quality restaurant, cafe, bar, & retail units into a complex, historic setting on the south east corner of St Andrew Square.
Alasdair Tooze, Project Architect, Hoskins Architects The Registers;
“TBC!”

In the North West, Strawberry Field, Liverpool, shortlisted in two categories (Education and Leisure), is a new 1,360m2, training and visitors centre for The Salvation Army. It provides a specialist educational hub for young adults with learning disabilities, alongside a visitor destination that builds on the site’s famous association with John Lennon and the 1967 pop hit. The exhibition, cafe and shop support the Salvation Army’s Steps to Work programme and generate opportunities for young people to overcome barriers to employment.
Chris Coleman-Smith, Director, Hoskins Architects Strawberry Field;
“We’re delighted Strawberry Field has been shortlisted in both the leisure and education categories of the RICS Social Impact Awards. It has been a privilege to work in collaboration with the Salvation Army and the wider team on this innovative project which has transformed a disused site into a major visitor destination and an educational hub for young adults with learning disabilities, creating opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential."