Lancaster Castle Building, Lancashire, North West England Campus Design, Property
Lancaster Castle Building, Lancashire
1 May 2022
Lancaster Castle, Lancashire, North West England, UK
6 projects have been awarded RIBA North West Awards.
Design: BDP Architects

photo © Nick Dagger
Lancaster Castle Building – Lancashire Property
Jury Report
This sophisticated regeneration of a range of buildings dating back to the 12th century provides a masterclass in sensitive restoration and re-use. Closed as a prison in 2012, the client?s brief was to regenerate the complex into ?more of a castle, less of a prison?. The complex condition survey took one year and the architect worked closely with the client to manage phases and budgets, ensuring that a viable and controlled sequence of works could be pursued and neither client or architect ?bit of more than they could chew?.
photo © Nick Dagger
The project re-opens the splendour of the complex of buildings to the general public whilst also facilitating the continued use of the court buildings. The balanced regard for existing structure yet considered and appropriate introduction of new insertions create an exceptional example of re-purposing. The material palette is limited and sophisticated with meticulous detailing.
Although the completed works are phase one of a wider vision, they have provided a re-invention of the castle from prison to community asset. Opened as lockdown eased, the outdoor space within the castle walls crea...