Shakespeare North Playhouse has been awarded the prestigious 2024 RIBA North West Building of the Year Award.

Designed by Helm Architecture with executive architects Austin-Smith:Lord, the £25 million project was completed in 2022 for Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council. The Playhouse has been lauded for its dedication to promoting ‘learning, experimentation, and reinterpretation of Shakespeare,’ as noted by the RIBA regional judges. Situated in Prescot’s Conservation area, the building features a main auditorium, a studio theatre, a dramatic performance garden, a public piazza, learning spaces, and foyers that house a café and bar.

The RIBA judges praised the project for significantly enhancing Prescot’s cultural landscape, stating that it had ‘put Prescot on the map’ and was ‘raising aspirations and expectations along with moments of real delight.’ The Shakespeare North Playhouse was among seven winners of the RIBA North West Awards, chosen from a shortlist of thirteen exceptional projects. The Playhouse is now a contender for a RIBA National Award, which recognises architectural excellence on a national scale, with results to be announced this summer.

Congratulations to all the winners, and good luck at the national awards this summer.

You can find more information on the project here: https://www.austinsmithlord.com/projects/shakespeare-north-prescot/

https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/shakespeare-north-steals-the-show-in-riba-north-west-awards