Hastings Pier awarded 2017 RIBA Stirling Prize for architecture

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has awarded the 2017 Stirling Prize dRMM Architects for its reconstruction of Hastings Pier on the south coast of England.

The other projects shortlisted for the 2017 Stirling Prize were:

• Barrett’s Grove, Stoke Newington, east London by Groupwork + Amin Taha
• British Museum World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre, Bloomsbury, London by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners  
• Command of the Oceans by Baynes and Mitchell Architects for Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent    
• City of Glasgow College – City Campus, Scotland by Reiach & Hall Architects and Michael Laird Architects   
• Photography Studio for Juergen Teller, west London by 6a architects

Hastings Pier was originally built in 1872 and closed in 2008 following storm damage. It then faced destruction in 2010 when a fire ravaged the entire structure.

Image courtesy of RIBA/Alex de Rijke

The new-look pier contains 19th-century structural ironwork hidden below deck, which has been restored and strengthened. The surviving Victorian Pavilion, one of two buildings on the Pier, has been transformed into a glazed open-plan cafe-bar.

A timber-clad visitors’ centre has a viewing deck on its roof providing views along the coast.

The architect has used timber throughout the project, much of it reclaimed from the original pier: the visitors centre makes a feature of its scorched wood cladding.

The pier deck has been left as stage for concerts, markets and public gatherings.

Image courtesy of RIBA/Alex de Rijke

Ben Derbyshire, RIBA president, said: "Hastings Pier is a masterpiece of regeneration and inspiration. The architects and local community have transformed a neglected wreck into a stunning, flexible new pier to delight and inspire visitors and local people."

The winners of two other RIBA awards were also announced:      

• The Houseboat by Mole Architects and Rebecca Granger Architects won the 2017 Stephen Lawrence Prize.   
• Bedales School won the 2017 RIBA Client of the Year. The award recognises the role clients play in the delivery of architecture.

Top image courtesy of RIBA/Francesco Montaguti