Triple Win for Junction Arts Centre

10/06/2010

Goole’s new arts and civic centre, Junction, is celebrating after winning three prestigious awards; a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Award, a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Award and a Market Town Award all in the last month.
 
Junction, which is funded by Yorkshire Forward through the Goole Renaissance Programme, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Goole Town Council and the Arts Council England, is fast becoming a cultural hub for the region. It was built to improve the economic, skill development and cultural offer for Goole and the surrounding area.  The multi-purpose arts centre which opened in November houses a 170-seat auditorium, workshop, studios, meeting and office space, and a café-bar.

The RIBA Awards are presented to buildings in the UK and Europe that demonstrate architectural excellence. Junction has won a regional RIBA award as judges were impressed with the use of space, how it sits within its local community and built environment and uses the previous Market Hall structure. After winning the award, Junction is now in the running for the national Stirling Award – an accolade for the greatest contribution to British Architecture in the past year.

The RICS Awards recognise the most inspirational architectural developments in the region. Junction was the winner of the Community Benefit category, based on its contribution to the regeneration of the town and increased opportunities for community engagement with the arts.

The Market Town Awards feature innovative projects in market towns across the country, which are seen to significantly benefit the community and raise the profile of that town, with the Junction winning the Environment and Culture category. The judges were particularly impressed with the quality of design and its sustainability, partnership approach and community involvement.

Sarah Pearson, Assistant Director of Humber at Yorkshire Forward comments: “I am delighted that the Junction is receiving the recognition it deserves as a cultural hub for Goole and the wider region. This project was part of Yorkshire Forward’s Renaissance Towns & Cities programme, to develop our region’s urban areas into places where people want to live work and invest. In addition to the physical changes in our towns, we also want to raise ambitions and aspiration - transforming the way our towns are perceived by residents, visitors and investors.”

Charlie Studdy, Arts and Leisure Manager for Goole Town Council comments: “It’s rare for a town council to lead on a £3.2M project that has such a range of funders and so many different purposes.  Winning three awards has brought very well deserved national recognition to Goole and is a huge pat on the back for everyone involved.”