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For the best work of architecture in London in an historic context, selected from the year's RIBA Award winners.

St Pancras Station : RIBA London Region Conservation Award 2008

The renaissance of St Pancras as England's terminus for Eurostar trains is the largest conservation project ever undertaken in this country. It is an outstanding achievement for which all of those involved should feel justifiably proud.

A station which was regarded for many years as a white elephant of transport infrastructure has been transformed into a world-class destination. Through the imaginative vision of London & Continental Railways and the skills of a superbly professional multi-disciplinary team, one of England's most important historic buildings at risk has been adapted, extended, refurbished and restored to set a new international standard for rail travel in the 21^st century.

The repair and conservation of the historic fabric has been to the highest standards. The reconstruction of the war-damaged, arcaded frontage to Midland Road is better than even Scott originally intended. The quality of the new brick and stonework is, quite simply, magnificent.

It does immense credit to London & Continental Railways and their team that they had the vision to see beyond the rundown condition of this great Victorian masterpiece and to recognise its potential for reincarnation not only as a great rail terminus, but also as a great destination in its own right.

The whole of London benefits enormously from the conservation and enhancement of this great cathedral of the railway age. It demonstrates that London's heritage has a crucial role to play in its continuing success as the pre-eminent world city.

 

 

The award is jointly awarded by RIBA London and English Heritage| and is given to the building or other built environment project that, in the opinion of the jury, responds best to its historic location and surroundings. It is not necessarily a conservation award but the jury may chose to recognise exemplary conservation work. 

 

The Award seeks to celebrate a new building or an addition to a building that has worked particularly well with the history that surrounds it, with the urban fabric or the materials of the past. It is awarded to the highest quality architecture of the present day for the way that it forms part of and contributes to the continuity and history of its London context.

 

The winner of the award will be selected from the RIBA regional award-winning London projects which are in conservation areas or are in or are adjacent or in close proximity to listed buildings.

 

The jury will normally consist of the regional RIBA representative on each of the London award juries together with the nominee of English Heritage (London). The (non-voting) chair of the panel will be the Chair of RIBA London. The award is administered by RIBA London|.