Civic Trust Award For Lancaster Castle

The refurbishment of Lancaster Castle’s historic courtyards commissioned by the Duchy of Lancaster in 2018 has been awarded a 2022 Civic Trust Award for “the execution and quality of the works….(which offers)….a clear legibility between the historical fabric and new interventions”.

Established in 1959 to recognise outstanding architecture, planning and design in the built environment, the Civic Trust is the longest standing built environment awards scheme in Europe. Its stated aim is “to encourage the very best in architecture and environmental design, to improve the built environment for all through design, sustainability, inclusiveness and accessibility, and to reward projects that offer a positive cultural, social, economic or environmental benefit to their local communities.”

The Civic Trust, which operates on a not-for-profit basis, is not linked to any one organisation, institution or publication and is unique in encouraging members of the general public as well as industry experts to nominate schemes from their local area.

Commenting on the citation, Duchy Chief Executive Nathan Thompson CVO said: “We are very pleased to receive this award for our work during Phase 2 at Lancaster Castle. Balancing restorative and conservation works in historic buildings such as the Castle requires skilled workmanship and a shared vision of the future. We would like to thank all those who contributed their craftsmanship and experience to this project and in helping us to develop a public open space that works for both visitors and the local community in Lancaster.”

The project, led by heritage architects at BDP in Manchester, has also been shortlisted for a RIBA North West Regional Award, the results of which will be announced in May 2022.