Remembrance Centre is crowned Project of Year
THE Remembrance Centre at the National Memorial Arboretum has been crowned project of the year at a prestigious national award ceremony.
The £15.7 million centre, which opened in October last year, beat developments from across the country to the title at the annual Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards.
Almost 100 winners from regional ceremonies held earlier this year were invited to an event in London where eight category champions were chosen.
Having secured the tourism and leisure award, the Remembrance Centre was picked from the group to be named overall project of the year.
The RICS Awards recognise the most inspiring and community beneficial built initiatives.
Designed by Birmingham-based Glenn Howells Architects, the Remembrance Centre provides information, films and exhibitions on remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire.
It won both the community benefit and tourism and leisure categories at the RICS West Midlands Awards in May.
It is the second year running RICS has awarded the UK project of the year title to a West Midlands scheme after recognising the redevelopment of New Street station and Grand Central in 2016.
National Memorial Arboretum is a year-round centre of remembrance which often hosts events, welcoming political leaders and members of the royal family alongside armed forces’ representatives. It started in 1997 with an initial tree being planted.
The Remembrance Centre was described by the judging panel as a unique building which enhanced the visitor journey through interactive activities, exceptional galleries and exhibitions but was also a place of beautiful and sustainable, detailed construction.
David Brooks Wilson, chairman of the national RICS Awards judging panel, said: “In a year that has seen the centenary of Passchendaele and the passing of our last Spitfire pilot and chartered surveyor Ken Wilkinson, it is fitting our winner celebrates and remembers our fallen heroes in such an innovative and commercially successful setting.
“What started as an idea of Commander David Childs, with no money, land or trees, has become a living tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
“The latest addition of the Remembrance Centre, while deceptively simple, succeeds in meeting diverse and complex requirements.”