New Gate arts and culture centre

by McGurk Architects

Client North West Cultural Partnership

Award RIBA Northern Ireland Award 2025

The award winner tells us, "The New Gate arts and culture centre in Derry/Londonderry, developed by the North West Cultural Partnership (NWCP) and Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC), is a vibrant hub for creativity and community engagement. Located in the Fountain area, this newly refurbished and extended centre opened in November 2023 and features a Black Box Theatre, a Rooftop Dance Studio, versatile Creative Hub spaces, and the welcoming Talk of the Town Café/Bar.

Designed with inclusivity and sustainability at its core, the project achieved a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, incorporating renewable energy systems and responsible material sourcing. The architecture harmoniously blends contemporary design with the historic character of its conservation area location near Derry’s Walls.

Hosting diverse cultural programmes, the centre fosters creativity, celebrates diversity, and strengthens community connections. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of the arts; delivering a lasting cultural landmark for the city and its people."

The jury says, "The centre boldly occupies a corner site just outside the walls, announcing that regeneration of the surrounding area is underway, and that community engagement with the arts, and contemporary architecture, are leading the way. With clever and clearly researched references to the history of the site and the people of the area, this project knits together the old and the new. The historic three-storey house that defined the site’s corner has been retained, restored and reused to provide a series of offices and meeting rooms (plus that café)."

Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal.

Quantity surveyor / Cost consultant Atkins Réalis

Structural engineer Design ID

Environmental / M&E engineer Cogan & Shackleton

Gross internal area 604.5m²