First RIBA National Award Demonstrates Social Housing Excellence Jul 24, 2024

New Gorbals Housing Association (NGHA) has won its first Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National Award.

NGHA’s North Gate building was one of just two Scottish projects to win, and the only one of this year’s 26 RIBA National Award winners to be designed for social housing.

Jean Miller, Chair of NGHA said:

“More than 30 years of community-led regeneration has culminated in this great achievement for New Gorbals.

“As a community-controlled housing association, our Management Committee is made up of local people like myself, making decisions for the benefit of the people of the Gorbals. We demand high standards for the design and quality of our homes and we are delighted that Page\Park architects responded so brilliantly.

“We are thrilled that their excellent design has been recognised in the RIBA National award win. It showcases the importance of placing community needs at the heart of design.”

The dramatic seven-storey frontage of North gate is a beacon, announcing the regeneration of the gorbals to those looking south from the city centre. The building itself marks the final piece of the Crown Street Regeneration Masterplan which began 30 years ago.

The development consists of 31 one- and two-bedroom homes for predominantly older residents.

The Association’s Management Committee and staff worked with architects Page\Park to meet the needs of local people, and ensure North Gate responded to the demands of an ageing population with a beautifully designed development.

The development is now NGHA’s most award-winning project, with the RIBA National Award sitting alongside accolades from Glasgow Institute of Architects, RIAS, Saltire and Scottish Design Awards. In addition, North Gate’s architect, James Brimble of Page\Park, picked up the RIAS Project Architect of the Year Award 2024 for this project.

As a RIBA National Award winner, North Gate is also now longlisted for the RIBA Stirling prize 2024, a coveted prize recognising architectural excellence. The shortlist for this award will be announced on 31st July 2024.