Park Hill flats shortlisted for Stirling Prize

The second phase of the redevelopment of Sheffield's landmark Park Hill estate has been shortlisted for a prestigious architectural award.

Architectural practice Mikhail Riches has been nominated for the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) Stirling Prize 2024 in recognition of their work on the brutalist estate, which was first opened in 1961.

The award recognises the UK’s best new building, with previous winners including The Gherkin, in London, Hastings Pier, in East Sussex, and the Magna Centre in Rotherham.

The shortlisting panel said they were "particularly impressed by how the architects have overcome the many challenges of the 1950s structure and delivering a project during the Covid-19 pandemic".

The second phase has already won the RIBA Yorkshire Award for 2024 and earned Mikhail Riches architect Alim Saleh the RIBA Yorkshire Project Architect of the Year award for 2024.

Mr Saleh said the latest nomination was "a real honour"

"In terms of RIBA awards, this is the top prize," he added.

"It's one we were all striving to be on."

Completed in 2022, phase two created 195 flats and 2,000 square metres of commercial space.

Phase one of the regeneration was also nominated for the Stirling Prize in 2013.

Other shortlisted projects for the Stirling Prize include The Elizabeth line on London's Underground network and the National Portrait Gallery's refurbishment.

The King's Cross Masterplan, Chowdhury Walk in Hackney, London and Wraxall Yard in Dorset have also been nominated for the award.

Known for their concrete "streets in the sky", the Park Hill flats overlooking Sheffield city centre opened in 1961.

The estate was built as part of post-war slum clearance, but despite its innovative design - described as a prime example of brutalist architecture - it fell into disrepair in the decades that followed.

The five-stage regeneration of the Grade II-listed building began in 2008, with plans for the fifth and final stage submitted in June.

Riba president Muyiwa Oki said all of the projects "demonstrate the ingenuity and diversity of architecture today" that "brings joy to people's lives".

"From major national infrastructure to brave and brilliant council-led housing, these varied schemes are united in making sensitive contributions to elevating everyday life," she added.

The prize is given to the architect of the building thought to be the most significant of the year and is judged on a range of criteria including design vision, innovation and originality.

The winner will be announced on 16 October.

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