Sands End Centre Named London Building of the Year

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Architects' institute praises 'sustainable, delightful and flexible' community asset

Sands End Hall

Sands End Arts and Community Centre has been named London Building of the Year by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

The eco-friendly, fully accessible centre, which was officially opened in March in the north western corner of Fulham’s South Park, was also one of three buildings in our borough to win RIBA London Awards, along with Imperial College’s Sir Michael Uren Hub in White City and office block 254 Hammersmith Road.

These are the latest in a string of awards for the community centre, which consists of several new pavilions built around Clancarty Lodge, the original Edwardian park lodge and café dating back to 1903. The lodge has been restored and incorporated into the new complex along with South Park’s adjoining walnut grove, which is currently being resurfaced to provide more outdoor space.

Over a third of the building, which was funded by Tideway and Chelsea Football Club, was made from recycled products, and RIBA’s judges praised its energy saving features, including responsibly sourced timber, bricks made partly from recycled material and solar panels.

Sands End Community Centre

The judges said, “ Driven by the local council’s arts strategy of improving access to cultural activities for the widely diverse local community, the development’s brief and programme were co-created in consultation with the council, user clients, local stakeholders and local residents, all facilitated by the architects.

“ The new facility makes a significant contribution to its community. Every aspect, including the café, is managed and run by local people, allowing them to be flexible in both their opening hours and offering. Function spaces can be booked out by anyone and are well used.

“The architects have met the brief and budget with confidence and inventiveness, delivering a highly sustainable, delightful and flexible asset for the client.”

Mae Architects, who were chosen by H&F Council to design the centre, described the awards as “a monumental milestone and a huge honour.”

As well as its own volunteer run Willow Tree Cafe, the centre offers a programme of community events, including classes for all ages run by DanceWest.

The cafe at the centre

Find out more about what’s on and how you can get involved at the centre’s website .

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June 13, 2022