We are thrilled to announce that Burrell Foley Fischer are finalists for Public Building Architect of the Year at the 2023 BDOnline Architect of the Year Awards. The prestigious awards recognise architectural firms for a body of work in a particular sector. BFF submitted four Public Building projects as examples of our work, either recently completed or currently in progress.
York Guildhall
The Guildhall complex is owned by City of York Council and is made up of Grade I, II* and II listed buildings built around a large 15th-century Guildhall. The refurbishment and remodelling provides a world class venue, supporting and nurturing the expansion of York’s vibrant businesses; combining events and exhibition space, with supporting café and restaurant offers, with state-of-the-art collaboration and co-working facilities in the heart of a historic and creative city, and securing an economically viable and sustainable future for one of its most iconic buildings.
Hall for Cornwall
The refurbishment and remodelling of the Grade II* Listed Hall For Cornwall has increased its audience capacity, conserved and restored its important heritage elements and brought them into better use. The new, three-tiered theatre space has provided a new dynamic relationship between performer and audience and enabled the organisation to deliver their artistic vision. Improved access to Arts and Culture for the community of Cornwall will result, together with the facilities required to support a sustainable business model for the organisation.
Birmingham Roundhouse
The Roundhouse, Listed Grade II*, is one of Birmingham’s most interesting, and iconic, industrial heritage buildings. A pioneering partnership between the Canal & River Trust and the National Trust, with funding from the NLHF Heritage Enterprise programme, has brought it back to life through an innovative blend of heritage and enterprise. The 19th century canal-side building has been transformed into a hub from which to explore the city by foot, bike or water. The reopened building is a thriving home to local businesses and enterprise and includes a visitor centre, café, kayak hire, facilities for volunteers and shared working space.
Winter Gardens, Great Yarmouth
The last survivor of a British seaside tradition, following restoration, the Grade II* Winter Gardens will once again become a colourful and animated People’s Palace at the heart of the town’s life, economy, and heritage. The project will return the magnificent cast-iron structure to a year-round attraction, incorporating a range of new additions to transform it into a flexible entertainment space, with food and beverage. Alongside planting, the building will include an event space with stage and seating; restaurant and bar; and a multi-purpose activity space hosting various activities and encouraging engagement with the history and plants.
The full list of finalists for the awards can be found here. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London this October.