Pollard Thomas Edwards has won a design competition for a new £49 million mixed-use development featuring a leisure centre in Islington, north London.
The contest, organised by the RIBA’s competitions unit, sought ‘exemplary’ ideas to redevelop a large site containing Finsbury Leisure Centre in the St Luke’s area of Islington.
Pollard Thomas Edwards was selected from a five strong shortlist that also included: Grimshaws, Hawkins\Brown, Henley Halebrown Rorrison Architects; and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.
The council’s Judging Panel thought that Pollard Thomas Edwards had the most creative and forward thinking ideas for the new civic building. They were also impressed by the dedication, time, and resources shown by each of the design teams. This gave the Panel an opportunity to compare a range of high quality design ideas for the site.
On announcing Pollard Thomas Edwards as the winners of the design competition, Cllr Diarmaid Ward, Islington Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “Congratulations to Pollard Thomas Edwards on their competition victory.
“We look forward to working with them and the local community to create new high-quality affordable homes and improved community facilities for Finsbury residents including a new leisure centre, GP practice, and nursery.
“Like the rest of London, Islington faces a housing crisis, with a huge shortage of affordable housing. Projects such as this are another opportunity to build new council homes and help meet the housing needs of local residents.” Teresa Borsuk, Senior Partner at Pollard Thomas Edwards, said: “It’s a real honour for Pollard Thomas Edwards to have won this competition.
“We are really delighted and are very much looking forward to working with the council and local community to deliver what will be a special combination of leisure, health, childcare facilities, and new homes for Islington, as well as a civic legacy for Finsbury. We pass the site daily with new excitement.” Source and images Courtesy of Pollard Thomas Edwards.