The Chadwick Centre for International Bomber Command in Lincoln wins at 2018 LABC Building Excellence Awards Grand Finals

The new Chadwick Centre for International Bomber Command, constructed by R G Carter Building Ltd, designed by Place Architecture Ltd and nominated by the local authority building control team from North Kesteven District Council was awarded the title of Best Small Commercial Building at the Grand Finals of the LABC Building Excellence Awards – one of the most recognised events on the building industry’s calendar.

A panel of industry experts judged a shortlist of the highest quality projects from around England and Wales to reward the best in technical innovation, sustainability and design.

This project is more than just the sum of its parts; it’s the collaborative vision and effort of a community to create a lasting legacy to the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) is a facility and memorial relating the historical impact of Bomber Command in Lincolnshire during the Second World War.

The aim of the IBCC is to tell the personal stories of members of the RAF Bomber Command, ground crew and civilians impacted by the bombing campaigns during the Second World War.

The new Chadwick Centre will provide a comprehensive record of the role of Bomber Command's Squadrons and display historical documentation and photographs relating to the activity of Bomber Command.

The quality of the building design has an impressive impact on the landscape with a strong and simple theme. The building is the thoroughfare to enter the memorial garden which enhances the whole experience of the visit.

Contractor R G Carter said "We believe the main benefit of this project winning will be to actually recognise the tremendous hard work and efforts of the IBCC and the numerous donors that have enabled this project to become a reality.

"The building is creating its own piece of history and will provide future generations with a new landmark in Lincolnshire to remind us of the sacrifice made by so many and the chance to read the most comprehensive records of the Command in the world, ensuring generations to come can learn of the Command’s vital role in protecting the freedom we enjoy today."

LABC Chief Executive Paul Everall said: "Our Building Excellence Awards are an opportunity for the industry to celebrate good practice.

"Our winners demonstrate how positive working relationships with local council building control teams achieve high quality, sustainable buildings. Our awards are unique because they recognise how this cooperation improves building standards and professionalism across the industry."

The panel of expert judges said "A superb scheme blending striking design, good environmental performance and creating a sense of place appropriate for such a historic commemorative role.  The project has an impressive list of energy saving and design features. A fitting tribute.”

The Grand Finals of the LABC Building Excellence Awards took place on Friday 9 November 2018 at the Westminster Park Plaza in London and was hosted by Dead Ringers star, comedian and impressionist Jon Culshaw.

860 building industry professionals including contractors, architects and engineers attended the celebration to find out which projects won across the 15 hotly contested categories.

About the LABC Building Excellence Awards

The LABC Building Excellence Awards showcase buildings and design teams that have had to tussle with complex technical or construction issues and building site constraints. 

They highlight innovative and creative solutions and building control professionalism that leads to safe, sustainable and high quality construction projects.  

Supporters of the 2018 awards included Abbey Pynford, Actis, FMB, Home and Build, Jewson, LABC Acoustics, LABC Warranty, Planning Portal, Polypipe Terrain and Swiftclean.