The award recognises the £8.3m transformation of Stanley Buildings, one of the town’s locally listed buildings which was first opened in 1935. 

This transformation includes The Robinson, a new modern business hub, designed to help local companies grow. 

Led by the council, the development was supported by local construction company, F Parkinson Ltd, Cassidy + Ashton architects and Bev Wood Design (BWD) for interiors, with Happy Creative leading on branding and marketing.

Judges at the awards praised the scheme, commenting: 

The regeneration of the building includes refurbishing disused space in the upper floors of the building to offer 44 private offices, as well as six fully equipped meeting rooms and a vibrant co-working environment all with superfast broadband. 

Work to the rest of the Art Deco building has included repairing and replacing faience blocks, refurbishing the roof and installing new windows. Investment has been made in solar panels and air source heat pumps to lower the building’s carbon impact.

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, said: 

Steve Williamson, Managing Director at F Parkinson, said: 

A key factor in the success of The Robinson was its outstanding social value performance. More than 50% of the project supply chain was sourced locally with 234 apprenticeship weeks being delivered – almost three times the original target. Partnerships with local organisations, including The New Langdale Centre, created opportunities for skills development, inclusion and community engagement. 

The Robinson is named in honour of John Charles Robinson, a former chief architect for Blackpool. Between 1920-1944, he designed many of Blackpool’s landmark civic buildings including Stanley Buildings, the Art Deco café at Stanley Park, the Solaris Centre, and the South Shore Open Air Baths, as well as the middle and lower walk Colonnades.

The triangular shaped Stanley Buildings, with its distinctive cream art deco façade, was opened in 1935 and originally comprised 26 shops at ground floor level with corporation offices above called Stanley Chambers.

Original architectural features have been carefully preserved and complemented by modern amenities, including ultra-fast broadband, thoughtfully designed communal spaces, shower facilities and secure bike storage.

The project has been funded by Blackpool Council and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity and Town Deal Funds.

Hosted by journalist Lucy Meacock, the North West Regional Construction Awards were held on 2 July at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool and attended by more than 420 industry professionals.

The NWRCA is held in partnership with Constructing Excellence in the North West, the School of Science, Engineering and Environment at the University of Salford, and the Centre for Construction Innovation.

For more information about The Robinson including available space and membership, or to book a private viewing, visit www.blackpoolunlimited.com