Napper success at the Hadrian Awards

This year has seen the return of the Hadrian Awards organised by the Northern Architectural Association. The Awards celebrate architecture across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Teesside, and Cumbria. Projects need to have been completed for two years or more, allowing the buildings and landscape to mature and for the collation of in-use data and user opinions.

Napper Architects were successful in winning two awards: the Heritage Award for the City Baths, Newcastle and the Townscape Award for Morpeth Railway Station.

Following a community campaign, the City Baths has undergone major refurbishment work, commissioned by Fusion Lifestyle, to breathe new life into the historic building including restoration of the existing pool and Turkish Baths and the addition of new facilities including a fully equipped gym, fitness studios, sauna and changing accommodation.

The work at Morpeth Railway Station was commissioned by the Greater Morpeth Development Trust and focused on improving the experience of rail passengers and restoring the historic building as a gateway to the town of Morpeth. Remodelling work has improved accessibility and re-instated the existing portico as the public entrance as well as adding a new passenger hub, ticket office, cafeteria, taxi office and managed business space.

“The Hadrian Awards program was established several years ago to recognise outstanding architectural achievements in Northern England. The Awards are an opportunity to discover innovative designs, connect with industry experts and explore the future of architecture. This year we have seen some exemplar conservation, heritage, and sustainability projects.”

Neil Barker, President of Northern Architectural Association