RICS has named the winners of its 2009 awards at a gala event held at the headquarters of the Honourable Artillery Company in London. Project of the Year has been awarded to the renovation of St Paul's Cathedral.
The £40 million (approx. 43.8 mln.)renovation programme of St Paul's Cathedral began in 2000, with the twin goals of restoring the Cathedral for its 300th anniversary in 2008 and preparing it for the next century of its life. The restoration program was designed to rejuvenate the building, to bring St. Paul's into a state of repair that would make future maintenance as organised and cost effective as possible. Works were also intended to make the most of the available internal spaces to provide increased facilities for worshippers, visitors and staff.
Commenting on the Project of the Year winner, Simon Pott, Chairman of Judges: "This is a remarkable project that has rejuvenated a truly timeless building for the local area and wider community. The care and attention taken in its restoration, in both its exterior and interior has given it a completely new lease of life."
Kevin McCloud an Honorary Member of RICS who presented the awards said: "The RICS Awards stand out because the winners must show both excellence in their category, and a commitment to value for money and sustainability. The Awards recognise a full spectrum of organizations and projects worldwide, from small schemes achieved by the vision and persistence of one person, to multimillion budget, globally recognised developments. Each carefully shows how property professionals employ their skills to develop, regenerate and conserve the environment in which we live and work."
The other category winners are; Liverpool One (Regeneration); Bond University, Mirvac School of Sustainable Development (Sustainability) Clavell Tower (Building Conservation) and Sacriston Surgery (Community Benefit).
St Paul's and the 2009 winners join an elite group of past winners including St Pancras station in London, Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, the Eden Project in Cornwall and the site of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
Source: RICS
