The Heritage Award, sponsored by Hays, recognises the achievement of high standards in the repair, re-use and revitalisation of the region’s historic buildings, sites and places. The Engine Shed, designed by architects, Childs & Sulzmann, and housed in Brunel’s original station at Bristol Temple Meads, dating from 1841, now qualifies for entry into the National Constructing Excellence Awards.

In awarding the prize, the judges praised the architects’ ‘sensitive and innovative approach to the transformation of a historically important building’, commenting: ‘It is a project which ensures that a building which has a unique place in the history of our region will remain and make a significant contribution to our development in the future.’

Nick Sturge, co-founder of Engine Shed, also acknowledged the role of local design business, Nudge Group, which worked on Engine Shed with Childs & Sulzmann ‘to help create the acknowledged visual aesthetic which has become the signature of Engine Shed's ambition and relevance to the 21st century that the judges identified’.

The Chartered Institute of Building and Constructing Excellence South West joined forces to host the awards earlier this month at the Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre.