Middlesbrough Centre Square named Best Commercial Project

September 28th 2020

Centre Square, Middlesbrough’s prestigious new office development, has been named the Best Commercial Project in the north.

The award was made by the LABC (Local Authority Building Control) which represents all local authority building control teams in England and Wales.

The LABC Chief Executive Lorna Stimpson said: “We want to recognise good technical work and good people in the building industry.

“I firmly believe that one of the best ways to see further good work is to praise building excellence and publicly acknowledge companies, designers, site managers, trades people who go the extra mile because of the pride they have in their work.”

Centre Square is a £22m project to regenerate the centre of Middlesbrough, providing Grade A office space to attract employers and create jobs.

It was launched five years ago by Ashall Projects in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and last year two of the buildings were completed.

Two Centre Square is a three-storey 34,000 sq ft office building. One Centre Square is bigger – 60,000 sq ft over four storeys – with a large space for a restaurant or café on the ground floor.

The announcement that it had won the Best Commercial Project category was made at a virtual ceremony held for the LABC Building Excellence Awards, Northern Region. Ashall Projects, Middlesbrough Council’s Local Authority Building Control Team, project architect Seymour Architecture and the builder Bowmer + Kirkland were all recognised.

Mark Ashall, the director of Ashall Projects, said: “It was obviously a pity that we could not all be together to celebrate this success. But it does not take away from the achievements of all the people involved in this fantastic project. We look forward to sharing more good news about Centre Square in the very near future.”

He added: “Our aim was to create buildings which have a stunning visual impact, but also provide a high-quality working environment that is adaptable, energy and space efficient and sustainable. Employees are a business’ greatest asset – and that was our starting point.”

Sarah Sabin - director of Seymour Architecture – described the award as “the icing on the cake” and said she was proud that the project has been so well-received: “Since both buildings were completed they have had a positive impact upon the town centre and the local community, attracting great comments from local residents and businesses as well as receiving strong interest from prospective tenants.”

Alan Johansen, Bowmer + Kirkland North East Regional MD, said: “This award is testament to the exemplary teamwork demonstrated throughout the project. The building offers a highly desirable and sustainable office environment in the heart of Middlesbrough and we are delighted that the LABC has recognised the work that went into the project and the people involved.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “The development in Centre Square is one of the best in the region if not the whole UK, and this prestigious award simply confirms what we’ve known all along.

“To win the Best Commercial Project category in the 2020 LABC Awards – amid strong competition – speaks volumes about the amazing work done by Ashall Projects, Seymour Architecture and Bowmer & Kirkland, and a great working relationship with Middlesbrough Council’s own Building Control Team.

“We’ll be unveiling the first occupants very soon, and they’ll play a key role in transforming central Middlesbrough, and bringing long-lasting benefits to the whole area.”

As well as LABC, Centre Square has been nominated this year for three other building industry awards.