RIBA highlights adaptive reuse projects by announcing its first Reinvention Award shortlist

Project description/jury comments: "The museum’s Grade I-listed alms house buildings are set within a historic context of public gardens, creating an unexpected green oasis in Hackney. The architects have used the rich history of the site to inform the renovation of the early 18th century buildings, providing new extensions to create an 80% increase in exhibition space for the museum’s collections and 50% more public space. Visitors are beckoned towards the new entrance by bold welcoming signage opposite Hoxton rail station."

Houlton School by van Heyningen and Haward Architects (West Midlands)

Project description/jury comments: "Houlton School is a state secondary school that will form part of an emerging residential district on the site of the former Rugby Radio Station. The scheme sensitively reimagines the iconic Grade II-listed transmitter building, C Station, and creates three new state-of-the-art school blocks arranged around a central courtyard."

University of Wolverhampton School of Architecture and the Built Environment by Associated Architects with Rodney Melville and Partners (West Midlands)

Project description/jury comments: "The Mitchells & Butlers Brewery was once a major employer in the city of Wolverhampton. Following its closure in 1991 and two major fires, the brewery fell into disrepair, becoming a symbol of industrial decline on the edge of the Black Country. In 2015, the building was purchased by Wolverhampton University, who had the vision, courage and commitment to transform this historic relic into a civic building of exemplary architectural design. That vision was realised by Associated Architects, who have created a building that reflects the site's rich heritage whilst boldly pointing towards its future as a catalyst for further brownfield regeneration in the area."

Great Things Lie Ahead, 2020, Holborn House by 6a architects x Caragh Thuring (London)

Project description/jury comments: "Great Things Lie Ahead is the refurbishment and extension of a community gym in Holborn, London, to provide a new community building for the Holborn Community Association.  6a Architects have stripped the old basement back to its concrete structure and opened it to the sky, with a new roof with lantern rooflights over a multipurpose hall, and a two-storey street-facing extension providing the entrance and function spaces. The result is a more accessible and more visible building that has allowed the community association to expand the range of cultural, social, and sporting activities they can offer."

The inaugural winner of the 2023 Reinvention Award will be announced at the Stirling Prize ceremony Thursday, October 19th, at the historic Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.