Reiach and Hall Architects in association with GM Design Associates of Coleraine won the competition.

In the early 1990s it became clear that Coleraine Borough Council had quite simply outgrown the building which had been its administrative centre since 1976. Various options were pursued, including plans to extend and renovate, but it became clear that a purpose-built headquarters was the way forward.

The brief for Coleraine's new Civic Headquarters stated the need for maximised views of the River Bann and the town; that it should not compromise the existing marina; that public parkland should be created using existing landscape, and that the development should act as a catalyst for regeneration of the area.

The building was completed in 2000 and has since become the symbol and focus for Local Government in the area and is one of which the Council is extremely proud.

AWARDS

• Awards RIBA Award 2001
• Civic Trust Award 2002