Whitworth crowned GMCC Building of the Year

THE Whitworth Art Gallery has been selected as Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Building of the Year 2015.

Its success was revealed at the Chamber’s Property and Construction Annual Dinner by Baroness Beverley Hughes of Stretford at the Hilton in Manchester.

More than 420 businesses attended the event which saw The Whitworth beat off stiff competition from five other finalists: Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Withington; The Soapworks, Salford Quays; The National Graphene Institute, Manchester; Victoria Station Redevelopment, Manchester; and Library Walk, Manchester.

The winner was chosen by the Chamber’s Property and Construction Committee, which consists of 12 professionals from a range of businesses in the property and construction sector.

They received many entries for new buildings from across Greater Manchester and undertook site visits to eventually determine the winner.

Steve Burne, chair of the Chamber’s Property and Construction Committee and managing director at AEW Architects, said: “The Whitworth has been selected as a worthy winner of this year’s Building of the Year Award as the project has been executed to perfection, bringing a unique social interaction back to a very important piece of heritage.

“It is rare to see a project with such obvious care and attention to detail, the result of which breathes new life into a building which plays a significant part in the local community.

“The architects and the gallery worked together to create a beautiful space which can be enjoyed equally by serious art lovers, casual visitors or the hoards of school children who sit on the floors of the galleries, excitedly drawing pictures and learning about art. It is rare to visit a building that takes your breath away and the Whitworth does just that.”

The event  also saw the Construction Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by the North West Skills Academy, presented to Connor Goodall, 17, from Golborne, Wigan, an apprentice plumber at Keepmoat. Connor was nominated because of the passion and enthusiasm he demonstrates for his role. 



Alan Tinsley from Keepmoat, who nominated Goodall, said: “Connor’s outlook on life has always been to strive to work hard no matter what is thrown your way. He always goes the extra mile – which goes down well with his colleagues and has a ‘can do’ attitude, a respect for his trade and shows great commitment at all times.”