The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched an international design competition in search of ideas to transform Lancashire’s iconic Preston Bus Station into a new public hub and youth center. The anticipated £13 million plan hopes to not only provide a home for the new Preston Youth Zone Plus, but preserve the historic structure's brutalist appearance.
Preston Bus Station, designed by BDP and completed in 1969, was previously slated for demolition. However, last year the success of an international preservation campaign saved it from destruction and helped the building achieve Grade-II listing.
The proposed program and competition details, after the break.
The competition will begin with anonymous digital submissions from multi-disciplinary firms led by architects, which will then be judged by a panel headed by architect Hugh Broughton as the RIBA Adviser. From the submitted proposals, five will be shortlisted for a second round of review and development before the winning design is selected. The shortlisted designs will each receive £6,000 + VAT.
To reactivate the bus station, the proposed program includes an indoor sports hall, outdoor pitches, a climbing wall, fitness suite and other spaces for music, dance, and arts and crafts, all encompassed within the Youth Zone. A separate sports hall nearby will provide a secondary space for recreation.
"This competition provides an inspiring opportunity to bring creativity and vision to a truly significant listed building in ways which will be engaging and entirely relevant to the people of Preston,” says RIBA Adviser Hugh Broughton.
The first stage of competition closes on April 21, 2015 at 2pm. To submit a design or to learn more about the competition, visit www.ribacompetitions.com and www.architecture.com/competitions
