Leading architect and historic building consultant Purcell Miller Tritton has been recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for its part in the £40 million St. Paul’s Cathedral Tercentenary Restoration which has been awarded the London Project of the Year at the prestigious RICS Awards held recently in London.
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Awards are a celebration of built and natural environment projects that recognise excellence, value for money and a commitment to building conservation.
The London Project of the Year Award recognises the 10-year scheme to revitalise St. Paul’s Cathedral carried out under the guidance of the Surveyor to the Fabric Martin Stancliffe, who is a Senior Principal with Purcell Miller Tritton. This is the first time in its long history that the building has been comprehensively restored inside and out.
The extensive programme of cleaning and repair has included interior and exterior cleaning and refurbishment, re-lighting and liturgical project phases. The RICS award also recognises the extensive work that has been carried out to improve provisions for disabled visitors, including a new entrance and lift.
Martin Stancliffe speaking on behalf of Purcell Miller Tritton said, “This award is wonderful recognition of what a project of this scale involves. Just as Sir Christopher Wren could not have created St. Paul’s in the first place without the support of many professionals and craftsmen, so this project would never have been achieved without the long-term commitment of a great team of skilled people.”
The St. Paul’s Tercentenary Project now goes forward to the final awards ceremony in October, where it will compete with projects throughout the UK for the award of RICS Project of the Year. Purcell Miller Tritton has also won East Midlands Project of the Year for its work on Wollaton Hall & Deer Park in Nottingham, which will also be competing for the ultimate title later this year.
Mark Goldspink, Chief Executive at Purcell Miller Tritton, said, “We are delighted that RICS recognised our work on two such different projects. Both harness traditional materials and techniques wherever possible and this was one of the key design philosophies employed during the conservation work undertaken. I would like to add my congratulations and thanks to everyone who has helped in both projects and their achievement."