Knowsley and Halton Councils’ Building Control Service has been announced as the regional winner in the North West for Best Public or Community Building Award at the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards 2023 for their work on the Shakespeare North Playhouse.
Local Authority Building Control (LABC) represents all local authority Building Control teams in England and Wales and is committed to safeguarding the safety and protection of communities.
As the regional winner, the service will now go forward to the grand national final of the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2023 which will take place on 19 January 2024. It will be attended by leading construction industry figures.
The Knowsley and Halton Building Control Service supported the construction of the iconic Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot which opened it’s doors in July 2022.
Before and during the two-year build project, the team had checked the plans for compliance with the Building Regulations and ensured the works constructed on site adhered to the plans and met minimum quality standards.
The multi-million-pound Shakespeare North Playhouse is the only 17th-century style, timber-built “Cockpit” theatre outside London, able to seat 450 spectators.
The modern, energy-efficient building is also home to a fully accessible outdoor performance garden funded by the Sir Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, exhibition gallery, 60-seater studio theatre, learning centre, events spaces, and a café and bar with outdoor piazza.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said “I’m delighted that our Building Control Service has been recognised by Local Authority Building Control and a panel of industry experts, who identify best practice, quality and standards in construction.
“This is a great achievement and I wish the team the very best of luck in the grand final in January.”
The LABC Building Excellence Awards consist of 20 categories – 10 are project categories, of which Best Public or Community Building is one, along with 10 people categories.
Further information about the Awards can be found here.
To find out more about Knowsley and Halton Building Control Service, contact Adam Jones – email adam.jones@knowsley.gov.uk or call 07814 775321.