Building Awards 2024 shortlists: Delivering Social Value Award

Earlier this year Building announced all the firms who made it on to the shortlists for our prestigious annual Building Awards.

Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.

Today’s shortlist is for Delivering Social Value Award.

Adderstone Living with Places for People   

Adderstone Living, in partnership with Places for People, delivered 69 affordable homes at Shaftesbury Avenue in South Shields. The project exemplifies both companies’ commitment to social value, environmental stewardship and community engagement. They prioritised tree preservation, implemented sustainable drainage solutions and enhanced biodiversity through thoughtful landscaping and wildlife habitats. The team maintained open communication with neighbours throughout construction and supported local businesses. They provided educational opportunities for architecture students and employed local workers. Despite challenging market conditions, the partnership demonstrated flexibility and pragmatism in project delivery. Their approach to social value extended beyond construction, including ongoing community support through partnerships with local organisations. 

Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture   

Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture’s Alfreton Park community SEND school project demonstrates exceptional social value delivery. The school, designed for pupils aged three to 19 with special educational needs, offers a secure, welcoming and inclusive learning environment. The project emphasised community engagement, involving pupils, staff and parents in the design process. It prioritised local economic growth by using local subcontractors and supporting SMEs. The team organised various educational activities for pupils, including bricklaying demonstrations and plastering tutorials. The school’s design incorporates numerous sustainable features, such as natural ventilation and on-site foul drainage treatment. This project showcases how thoughtful architecture can positively impact both users and the wider community. 

Gilbert-Ash   

Gilbert-Ash’s Hub by Premier Inn Clerkenwell project exemplifies its commitment to community engagement and social value. The team transformed a dilapidated multistorey car park into a stylish hotel and office block, overcoming significant technical challenges. Their proactive approach to community relations included face-to-face meetings with residents, providing maintenance advice, and even assisting with gardening for elderly neighbours. The project’s standout achievement was the development of a special relationship with the nearby Michael Palin Centre for Stammering. Gilbert-Ash carried out complimentary repairs and upgrades to the centre, facilitated beneficial connections with the hotel, and even participated in fundraising events, leaving a lasting positive impact on the local community. 

Glencar 

Glencar specialises in creating high-quality facilities for leading UK developers, occupiers, retailers and logistics businesses. Its unwavering commitment to delivering social value is demonstrated through impactful initiatives and collaborations. The SEGRO V-Park Grand Union project showcases its dedication to community engagement and sustainable practices. Glencar’s efforts include substantial local spending, achieving top Considerate Constructors Scheme scores and creating numerous job opportunities. The company actively engages with schools, participates in career fairs and provides mentorship programmes. Its approach to social value extends beyond traditional corporate social responsibility, embedding such principles deeply into its organisational culture and project delivery. 

HLM Architects and Morrison Construction  

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is an industry-led centre of manufacturing expertise that transforms skills, productivity, and innovation. Located near Glasgow Airport, it creates economic and environmental value through its function and design. NMIS engages extensively with educational institutions, using the site as a learning tool to encourage careers in construction. The project delivered substantial social and economic value, including numerous engagement sessions, work placements, and sponsorships. The building achieves impressive sustainability metrics, including a BREEAM Outstanding rating and net zero for regulated operational energy. NMIS exemplifies solutions that enable development, societal benefit and climate change mitigation at scale. 

Multiplex  

The University of Glasgow’s £1bn campus expansion programme aimed to enhance its global standing and create a positive impact on the community. Multiplex, as the main contractor and programme delivery partner, constructed four new academic buildings with associated landscaping and infrastructure. The project prioritised social value, supporting local businesses through over £38m spent directly with them. It contributed £121,370 to local community groups and charities, while also providing in-kind support. The development exceeded targets for skills and employment, creating 211 new entrant positions, 150 apprenticeships and 156 work placements. The project’s social and economic return was independently verified at £44,647,182. 

MYCO

MYCO completed the second phase of residential development The Didsbury in East Ham for Populo Living, transforming the original 1939 town hall into contemporary apartments. The project seamlessly blended modern design with 1930s art deco architecture, adding two floors while preserving heritage features. The 40 newly constructed apartments feature private outdoor spaces and a range of amenities. Located within a conservation area, The Didsbury provides easy access to central London and Canary Wharf. The development promotes sustainable transportation through car club membership. MYCO’s commitment to excellence in construction and sustainable development makes this an exemplar among community-focused residential projects. 

VINCI Building 

New Victoria has transformed an underutilised gateway site in Manchester into a vibrant residential quarter, comprising 520 build-to-rent apartments across two towers. The development prioritised social value and sustainability, injecting £50m into Greater Manchester’s economy through local sourcing. It created 40 new jobs and employed 550 local people during construction. The project achieved 99.5% waste recycling and implemented innovative water-saving measures. Significant community benefits included an award-winning pop-up drop-in centre for those in crisis. The team engaged with local businesses, promoted skills and employment, and supported various community groups. New Victoria set new standards for social value commitments in construction projects.