Goldsmiths’ Centre scoops architecture accolade

The state-of-the-art building, which opened just over a year ago to the public, is the result of a close collaboration between architect Lyall, Bills and Young and the Goldsmiths’ Centre

The project started in August 2005 when the Goldsmiths’ Company began to explore the idea of setting up a charitable training centre which would help new and aspiring goldsmiths and jewellers succeed in the industry. The project took an existing Grade II listed London Board School and refurbished and extended it to create workshops and training, conference and exhibition facilities, with a glass atrium linking the old building with a modern development.

Director Peter Taylor said: “We are delighted that the quality of the architecture of Goldsmiths’ Centre has been recognised in this year’s RIBA Awards. There is no doubt that the physical environment of our building makes a huge contribution to the effectiveness of our work with those working or aspiring to work as goldsmiths.

“The Centre is an excellent example of the architect and client working in tandem with each other to produce something that is much greater than the sum of the parts.”