Skipton Building Society HQ receives RICS award

10 June, 2011

Skipton Building Society’s new HML head quarters on Gargrave Road, Skipton has been named the Best Commercial Property in the 2011 RICS Pro-Yorkshire Awards.

Wates Construction and Bowman Riley Architects picked up the award at a ceremony in Leeds on 20 May. The team completed build of the £25m development in March 2010 and it has now been dubbed one of Yorkshire’s most impressive new buildings. The new HQ outshone seven other commercial developments to secure the sought-after accolade. Wates Construction and Bowman Riley Architects were supported by Rex Procter & Partners, Brentwood and BSCP.

The award highlighted the pioneering construction methods and materials that were used throughout the build process and include a range of sustainability features that reduce environmental impact. Solar panels, biomass boilers and motion sensor lighting have all contributed to achieving a ‘Very Good’ rating from the sustainable buildings assessment body, BREEAM.

The stunning three-story office development sits on a 100,000 sq ft Greenfield site on the outskirts of Skipton. It has been built using natural stone to ensure continuity with the surrounding area, and is now home to 850 staff from Skipton Building Society’s HML.

Throughout the design and construction process, public consultation enabled Wates and Bowman Riley to work closely with local residents to ensure the building’s presence in Skipton has a positive impact on the surrounding community. Furthermore, the construction project also provided work experience placements for students at the nearby Craven College.

Dave Price, Business Unit Director for Wates Construction, Yorkshire, commented: "This is an outstanding achievement for Wates and the site team at Skipton. To receive the award for Best Commercial property in 2011 is a tribute to an innovative project, one that has made a significant contribution to the region."

Paul Hodgson of Bowman Riley Architects said "Skipton Building Society’s new HML HQ presents the town with a distinctive piece of architecture for the 21st century and will be a catalyst for future development in the area."

Categories: new build, awards, events, north east

Tags: Skipton Building Society