Reuse of an Historic Building - Winner (one of two) - Ada Belfield Centre and Belper Library

Architecture Awards 2021

There were joint winners for the category 'Reuse of an Historic Building'.

The first of these is the Ada Belfield Centre and Belper Library, Derwent Street, Belper.

Architect: Glancy Nicholls Architects Client: Derbyshire County Council

The site on Derwent Street, Belper, prior to the development.

Glancy Nicholls Architects (GNA) were appointed to design and deliver an integrated care centre and library for Derbyshire County Council (DCC).

The development on the former Thornton's factory site in Belper consists of three primary areas, inclusive of semi-public/open access facilities; semi private/resident, staff and visitor only areas and private/support areas. Affording a supportive environment, the scheme forms an intrinsic part of the Council's strategic delivery of targeted residential care.

The site is situated in Belper town centre within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the development encompasses working with an existing building: whereby historically significant facades have been retained, refurbished and incorporated into the scheme.

Judges felt that GNA had delivered a very successful project by providing a secure, safe, stimulating and yet homely environment for residents requiring care needs as well as a local hub for the wider community and a new public library.

The development makes excellent use of a brownfield site and includes a small civic square and a cafe/restaurant area alongside the library facility.

Glancy Nicholls Architects receiving their award from Dr John Goodall (November 2021).