WORCESTER Cathedral is celebrating scooping a national award for architectural excellence as its Undercroft Learning Centre is awarded the 2022 Civic Trust AABC Conservation Award.
In collaboration with Acanthus Clews Architects, the conversion of the Cathedral’s former monastic storage rooms into the new Undercroft Learning Centre provides an innovative and versatile venue for learning and discovery for the whole community.
The Civic Trust Awards scheme was established in 1959 to recognise outstanding architecture, planning and design in the built environment.
In awarding the accolade, the judges commented on the project: “A challenging and well resolved scheme, the project addressed complicated access to the vault, allowing it to be opened-up and appreciated by a wide audience.
Camilla Finlay, director at Acanthus Clews Architects, said: “The Civic Trust awards also celebrate accessibility and inclusivity which was at the heart of our work in creating a centre for learning in the Undercroft – to provide an invitation that we hope will reach new audiences to come and share the spaces and activities that take place within.”
Daniel Parnell, director of learning at Worcester Cathedral, added: “It is a brilliant achievement for all involved in the development and delivery of this project.
“Thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and other generous donors, a team of skilled crafts people have created a unique venue and we now have a space for inspiration and discovery, and we are keen to make sure everyone has the chance to use it.
“And thank you to the judging panel for their support in recognising the achievements in creating this space,” he said.
As the longest standing built environment awards scheme in Europe, since 1959 The Civic Trust Awards scheme has recognised more than 7,000 projects and the scheme has continued in its objective to recognise projects that have made a positive contribution to the local communities they serve.
The aim of the Civic Trust Awards is to encourage the very best in architecture and environmental design, to improve the built environment for everyone through design, sustainability, inclusiveness and accessibility, and also to reward projects that offer a positive cultural, social, economic or environmental benefit to their local communities.
Established in 2014, winners in the Civic Trust AABC Conservation Awards demonstrate the highest standards of historic building conservation and make an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment.
Visit www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/undercroft for more.
