Special award created for Gamlingay Eco Hub as architects praise community venue

The hub has been honoured by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) at its annual awards ceremony for the East of England.

The Eco Hub won an award for architectural excellence and the judges were so impressed and delighted by the building that they created a special category of Community Architecture Award to celebrate it.

Chair of Gamlingay Parish Council, Jackie McGeady, said: “We have always known that

we had a very special building here but this gives it the ultimate seal of approval from the top professionals in the country. The Eco Hub has made such a difference to Gamlingay

by creating a beautiful community centre in which every manner of activity can happen and

in which everyone is welcome.”

RIBA East shortlisted 25 projects for this year’s regional East awards from a record 52 entries. The Eco Hub was visited by the judges in March as part of the assessment process and were given a tour of the building by architect Dan Jones of Civic Partners,

and project manager and fundraiser Bridget Smith on behalf of Gamlingay Parish Council.

Dan said: “We were absolutely thrilled to receive a regional award, but to then understand that a special category of Community Architecture award had been created especially for us just bowled us over.”

The winners were announced at a celebratory event at St John’s College, Cambridge on

Thursday, April 14.

The Eco Hub was singled out for special commendation by the judges who praised it for

its importance as a shining example of a sustainable building and the social value it adds

to its community. It will now go forward to be considered for a highly coveted RIBA national

award to be announced in June, and possibly the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best

building of the year.