Purcell projects shortlisted for 2025 AJ Architecture Awards
Several Purcell projects have been shortlisted for this year’s AJ Architecture Awards, celebrating design excellence in UK architecture.
The Muni Arts Centre (Y Muni)
A much-loved Grade II-listed venue in Pontypridd, the Muni Arts Centre has stood at the heart of community culture for nearly 40 years. The former Wesleyan Chapel now features a new auditorium and refreshment facilities, and improvements in energy performance and access throughout the building has provided a sustainable future for the building, for hosting professional, amateur and community-based arts and cultural activities. We worked with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Anwen Cultural Trust to deliver the project.
– Anwen Cultural Trust
The National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing and Roden Centre for Creative Learning
Working alongside Selldorf Architects, we served as executive architect and heritage consultant on the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing reopening, enhancing accessibility and welcome while preserving the building’s architectural integrity.
We also supported Lawson Ward Studio in the transformation of the Roden Centre for Creative Learning, an inclusive, inspiring, and vibrant three-storey learning environment for visitors of all ages.
Both projects have been shortlisted in the Cultural category.
– Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director, The National Gallery
– Alasdair Travers, Major Projects Partner, Purcell
The Roden Centre for Creative Learning
The Gradel Quadrangles and Soho Theatre Walthamstow
At Oxford University’s New College, the Gradel Quadrangles project – shortlisted in the Higher Education category – combines student accommodation and heritage features, including carved gargoyles, to create a flowing, engaging space. We supported lead designers David Kohn Architects as executive architect, delivering the project on site from RIBA Stage 4 and led the detailed design of the complex stone facade, working in liaison with the stone sub-contractor.
In London, we advised on heritage and technical aspects at Soho Theatre Walthamstow, supporting its reopening under Historic England’s Repair Grants for Heritage at Risk scheme. The transformed theatre, by Pilbrow & Partners and Bond Bryan, has been shortlisted in the Heritage and Cultural categories.
Gradel Quadrangles, detail
These diverse projects, from community performance spaces to national galleries and educational facilities, reflect the breadth and impact of our work, defined by creativity, collaboration, and technical excellence across the UK.
