• Sitemap

Click photo to view a slideshow of images.

• Special Award:

  Special Award for East Midlands
  Read more about Special Awards

• Level of Award:

  Special Award

• Region:

  East Midlands

• Local Authority Area:

  Leicester

• Owner:

  Shires GP Limited: Hammerson plc / Hermes plc

• Architect:

  Foreign Office Architects

• Developer:

  Shires GP Limited: Hammerson plc / Hermes plc

• Services Engineer:

  WSP Group

• Structural Engineer:

  Adams Kara Taylor

• Contractor:

  Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd

• Quantity Surveyor:

  Cyril Sweett

• Inclusive Design Consultant:

  Chapman Taylor

• Primary Use Class:

  A1 Shops

Information about this winner

Commissioned within a larger city centre regeneration scheme, the Department Store and Cineplex challenge the conventional blank envelopes which typify these buildings and explore new ways for them to connect to an urban context. In order to produce a unique experience for both visitors and those passing by, and to make the building unique to Leicester, a number of cultural and historical references have been used to animate the block and enrich the retail and leisure experience. The result is an extremely eye catching building, with immaculate detailing, creating a real landmark in Leicester. The design team has succeeded in creating a new cladding system which introduces a significant level of natural daylight into the shop through a double skin triple-glazed fa�ade, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The approach is imaginative and entirely right for the location and use, with a choice of materials which will ensure that the buildings stand the test of time.