Brent Civic Centre has been shortlisted for an award in the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors London awards.
61 buildings have been shortlisted, including the Cumberland Art Gallery, Hammersmith Eventim Apollo and HMS Belfast.
Brent Civic Centre has been nominated in three categories – ‘Community Benefit’ and ‘Design Through Innovation’ and ‘Regeneration’.
The building, designed by Michael Hopkins, opened in June 2013. It has a high profile location next to Wembley stadium and Wembley arena and has, say the council, rapidly become the heart of the community. As well as housing Brent Council staff, the building contains a state-of-the-art library, a registry office, a landscaped garden, exhibition and gallery space and ‘The Drum’ which is regularly used for conferences, weddings and other events.
The civic centre is the most sustainable local authority building to be completed in the UK. It features a 33% reduction in carbon emissions thanks to a combination of solar shading, natural ventilation, high-performance façade, and combined cooling, heating and power which utilises waste fish oil.
The building’s spaces are arranged around a naturally-lit atrium which houses a public amphitheatre. There is also a circular drum which forms the civic part of the building incorporating the Council Chamber, conference and event spaces and public meeting rooms.
Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council said: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for 3 categories in the annual RICS London awards.
“Since opening in 2013, the Civic Centre has seen thousands of people come and use the many public services that are available here.
“Not only is it a beautiful and eco-friendly building, it’s also a brilliant community hub for the residents of Brent.
“There is nothing better than seeing the space being used by Brent school children on a daily basis and I’m proud it’s a place where they can come together to learn and socialise.”
