National Youth Theatre of Great Britain

Islington, Greater London

Selwyn Goldsmith Highly Commended

Presented in memory of Becky Goldsmith to projects that demonstrate excellent universal design principles.

The redevelopment of the former Mission Hall into a new home for the National Youth Theatre (NYT) seamlessly integrates thoughtful design, accessibility, and inclusivity to benefit the community and its users. This transformation demonstrates how heritage spaces can be adapted to support modern, diverse, and equitable uses while maintaining their cultural significance. The reimagined NYT building has significantly enhanced its visibility and accessibility. The new fully accessible entrance, with automated sliding doors, leads visitors directly to an inclusive reception area featuring a dropped-height desk with knee recess and clear signage. The resurfaced road and pedestrian street provide a gently graded approach, ensuring seamless access from adjacent car parking and drop-off points. These improvements reflect an attention to detail, making the space inviting and accommodating to all. Internally, the design has prioritized step-free access through a well-designed platform lift and clear circulation pathways. The inclusion of accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusive design, catering to the diverse needs of performers, staff, and visitors alike. The thoughtful signage and acoustic upgrades further enhance the user experience, ensuring the building is navigable and comfortable for all. The redeveloped facility doubles the NYT’s capacity for professional studio spaces, allowing more young people to benefit from high-quality performing arts opportunities. The design incorporates flexible, multi-use studios, workshop spaces, and communal areas, enabling a variety of youth-led projects and performances. The performance areas, with adaptable seating configurations and quiet spaces for audience members, reflect the theatre’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. This adaptability ensures the space serves the needs of disabled actors, audiences, and community members participating in the NYT’s Inclusive Practice program. This project’s success lies in its co-design process, engaging young people and stakeholders to shape a space that meets their needs. By improving accessibility, doubling operational capacity, and creating a welcoming and visible presence, the NYT is better positioned to deliver on its mission of enriching young lives through the arts. The inclusion of induction loops, step-free access, and thoughtfully designed communal areas ensures that the theatre remains an open, inclusive, and vibrant space for all.

Judges’ Comments: 

“A shining example of how inclusive design, community engagement, and thoughtful architectural interventions can create spaces that not only serve but inspire their users.”