Sidcup Storyteller
by DRDH Architects
Client London Borough of Bexley
Award RIBA London Award 2025
The award winner tells us: "Sidcup Storyteller is a new, mixed-used public building for the London Borough of Bexley, incorporating a public library, café and changing places toilet facilities at ground floor, with a three-screen cinema and flat-floor community/events space above. A mix of nine apartments for sale completes the block, contributing to its financial model.
The building is the centrepiece of a programme of regeneration on Sidcup High Street.
Our jury says: "The bold new red-brick building sits at a crossroads and responds to the massing and materiality of the high street to create a ‘tower’ on the corner. The architect has dealt creatively with the change from civic on the high street to residential on the side road through a curved geometry that celebrates the entrance and then follows the back of the pavement as it rises to the residential buildings beyond. Inside the building, this curve creates the landing of the stair that rises from the ground to the cinemas on the second floor."
Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal
Contractor Neilcott Construction
Environmental/M&E engineer Harley Haddow
Structural engineer Engineers HRW
Acoustic engineer Charcoalblue
Quantity surveyor/cost consultant Playle and Partners
Gross internal area 1,932m²
