NEWS AT KRITERION

OCTOBER 2011

Ceramics piece scoops the RUA Presidents Prize
The 130th RUA Annual Exhibition is now running at the Ulster Museum and showcases some of the very best of visual arts. Kriterion Conservation Architects have again sponsored the Presidents Prize for a work by a full-time student. This year the prize was awarded to Cynara Turner for her ceramics piece ‘Diana: Roman Goddess of the Moon’. The RUA invited us to exhibit a maquette at the exhibition and our maquette of Hamilton House, our new office building, is also on display. The exhibition runs from 20 October - 20 November 2011.

SECRETARY OF STATE OFFICIALLY OPENS HAMILTON HOUSE
Our new premium offices in Belfast city centre were officially opened on Monday 17 October by The Rt. Hon. Owen Paterson MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
The bespoke offices in Joy Street reflect our confidence in Belfast during challenging times for both the construction sector and the commercial property market.
The Rt. Hon. Owen Paterson MP said “This building is a glowing example of private businesses rebalancing the economy by building offices like this one, employing local people and working with local people. It’s a tremendous original building which has used wonderful materials.”
We have invested heavily in the new development which will help to fill the void for premium office places in central Belfast and make a positive contribution to our economy and our built environment.
Paul Millar, Partner of the practice said “Hamilton House represents one of the very few office schemes delivered in 2011 and provides some much needed buoyancy in the marketplace. Our practice occupies the majority of the top two floors and the CBI Northern Ireland has taken office space on the second floor.”
Built by Mascott Construction Ltd, Hamilton House has been shortlisted for the CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2011 which recognises the highly impressive and finest construction projects throughout N.Ireland.
The four storey building occupies a highly prominent and convenient location in Belfast’s prime business district to the south of the City Hall in the Linen Conservation Area.
Letting agent Ciaran Hughes of RHM Commercial commented “We believe Hamilton House offers unique high quality office space which meets the demanding expectations of prospective tenants in terms of location, specification and aesthetics. With flexible spaces available to let ranging from 1500sqft to 6000sqft we are appealing to a wide variety of office occupiers.”
In addition to the high level of finishes, this premium office building incorporates a low carbon displacement air conditioning system, unique to the Belfast office market, which can provide cost savings of up to 66% in comparison to conventional systems,” continued Ciaran.
For further information on leasing office space in the building contact Ciaran Hughes directly on Tel: 028 9031 6741.

L to R :Seamus McCloskey, Partner, Hamilton Architects; The Rt. Hon. Owen Paterson MP Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; The High Sheriff Councillor Ian Adamson; Minister Nelson McCausland; Mark Haslett, Partner, Hamilton Architects; Paul Millar, Partner, Hamilton Architects

SEPTEMBER 2011

RESTORED GATELODGE PROVIDES HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION IN BALLYCASTLE
The Grade B Listed Magherintemple Gatelodge on Churchfield Road, Ballycastle has been fully restored from its derelict state, giving it a new and sustainable future. Operated by the Irish Landmark Trust the lodge provides quaint holiday accommodation. The gatelodge, which is of historic importance because of its association with Roger Casement and the Casement family, was officially opened in September 2011.

JULY 2011

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UNDERWAY AT DOWN ARTS CENTRE
With support from public funding, building work has commenced at Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick. As architects on this scheme Kriterion Conservation Architects are undertaking the refurbishment and extension of the centre which will provide an enhanced cultural tourism experience, with a range of new services and facilities. The new facility is due to open in October 2011.

May 2011

WE HAVE MOVED!
Kriterion Conservation Architects moved into new purpose built offices on Joy Street in Belfast City Centre on 20 May. Known as Hamilton House, the four storey building occupies a highly prominent and convenient location in Belfast’s prime business district to the south of the City Hall in the Linen Conservation Area.

Belfast Architectural firm sweeps the board at regional and national RICS Awards
Kriterion Conservation Architects and its associate practice Hamilton Architects have won a total of five coveted RICS awards in as many days.
At the RICS Northern Ireland Awards ceremony on 17 May 2011, Hamilton Architects received four accolades for the Crescent Arts Centre and the Pier Head Ferry Terminal in Liverpool, whilst Kriterion Conservation Architects was commended for its work on the Antrim Courthouse.
These are Northern Ireland's most prestigious awards which celebrate excellence in the built environment and highlight the outstanding standard of work produced by local building professionals.
The historic Crescent Arts Centre received three RICS accolades: The distinguished and esteemed Project of the Year prize, Winner in the Community Benefit category and Highly Commended in the Building Conservation category. The Crescent Arts Centre will now go forward to the International RICS Awards which culminate in a grand final ceremony in London in October.
One of Northern Ireland’s finest listed buildings, the Antrim Courthouse, was Commended in the Regeneration category.
Last week the Pier Head Ferry Terminal in Liverpool won the RICS North West Award for Tourism & Leisure at a presentation ceremony held in Manchester. The state-of-the-art Ferry Terminal was shortlisted from an original entry of 70 projects.
Paul Millar, Partner of Hamilton Architects and Kriterion Conservation Architects said: We are delighted to win these five awards for three prestigious projects of local and national importance. As a practice what we do best is creating buildings for people and these awards recognise the entire team’s contribution to conserving our built heritage, delivering projects for the community and enhancing tourism.”
RICS Northern Ireland Director, Ben Collins said “In challenging economic conditions, it is encouraging to see visionary construction projects being undertaken to such high quality. The diverse range of entries reflects the wide reaching impact of construction professionals in the economy and in local communities.”

Crescent Arts Centre team - RICS Awards 2011 - (L-R): Kieran Mooney, Braecom; Stuart Robertson, Bennett Robertson Design; Neil Moore, Hamilton Architects; Keith Morrison, WYG; RICS Chairman Professor Alastair Adair; Kieran McMullan, Edmond Shipway; Lynda Bryans

Antrim Courthouse team - RICS Awards 2011 - RICS Chairman Professor Alastair Adair (2nd from left) with Gary Shaw, Catherine McFarland and Reggie Hillen of Antrim Borough Council

March 2011

October 2010

Restoration of Magherintemple Gatelodge, Ballycastle
Kriterion Conservation Architects have been appointed by the Irish Landmark Trust to restore the redundant Grade B Listed Magherintemple Gatelodge on Churchfield Road, Ballycastle.  The main Magherintemple house was once home to Sir Roger Casement and his family.  The simple three bayed single storey gatelodge will be restored to its former glory and brought back into use for the public as a historic self-catering holiday home.  The Heritage Lottery Fund and NIEA are funding this project.

ROYAL ULSTER ACADEMY OF ART EXHIBITION BACK AT THE AWARD-WINNING ULSTER MUSEUM
For the fourth year running, Kriterion Conservation Architects’ are again proudly supporting the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts by sponsoring the Kriterion Conservation Architects RUA Presidents Prize. The £500 prize has been awarded to full time RUA student Samantha Dukelow for her charcoal piece ‘Bath’.
The 129th RUA Annual Exhibition is open to the public from 15 October to 14 November 2010 at the Ulster Museum, continuing a tradition initiated by Arthur Deane, Director of the Ulster Museum, eighty one years ago in 1929, and brings local art to the wider community. The exhibition features work by 194 artists – Academy members, invited artists and those selected through open submission.

Refurbishment and Extension of Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick
Kriterion Conservation Architects have been appointed by Down District Council to extend and refurbish the Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick. Located in a conservation area at Irish Street and Scotch Street, refurbishment works to the listed buildings and a new extension will provide a state of the art facility comprising a multi-purpose workshop/performance space, gallery, café and retail space, offices and workshops.  Located in the heart of Downpatrick, Down Arts Centre is the operational base for the arts in Down District and produces a busy programme of events throughout the year.

ANTRIM COURTHOUSE SHORTLISED FOR IRISH GEORGIAN SOCIETY CONSERVATION AWARD
Kriterion Conservation Architects, have been shortlisted for a major award for conservation work on the Old Antrim Courthouse.
This is the first year that the Irish Georgian Society has held the awards which celebrate the importance of conservation work to built heritage. Councillor Pam Lewis, Mayor of Antrim has expressed her delight and says, “Being shortlisted for this prestigious award is an achievement in itself. The people of Antrim have shown immense pride in this important landmark building and I commend the work undertaken by Kriterion Conservation Architects and our project team within Council”.
During a visit to the Courthouse, the Judges noted the intricate detailing on the building, in particular repairs to stonework and the retention of some of the key original features. Among the judging panel was Desmond FitzGerald, Knight of Glin and President of the Irish Georgian Society. Commenting on the awards scheme, he said, “The Irish Georgian Society aims to highlight the significance of all historic buildings of architectural interest, both great and small. Not only are these buildings essential to understanding our history, they are also invaluable tourist assets”.

NEW OFFICE DEVELOPMENT IN THE LINEN CONSERVATION AREA
The construction of Hamilton House located in the Linen Conservation Area at Joy Street in Belfast city centre is well underway. Designed by Kriterion Conservation Architects, the prestigious Georgian-inspired energy efficient building will provide new high specification office space in one of Belfast’s prime business districts. The unique four storey building fully complements the Georgian streetscape and has been designed to meet the needs of modern office occupiers with a specific emphasis on energy performance.
The site shares a city block with two significant listed buildings. The design, crafted from red brick and stone with a feature barrel roof in copper finish, is inspired by the rhythm and elegance of the Georgian terraces which characterize the area.
The building will provide office units from 1,500sqft to 7,300sqft with a high internal specification. Letting agent Ciaran Hughes of RHM Commercial LLP commented "we are encouraged by the level of recent enquiries and we believe the client is offering a quality product which will meet the demanding expectations of prospective occupiers in terms of location, specification and aesthetics. It also represents a highly cost effective solution with its enhanced green credentials."

July 2010

Derry~Londonderry wins its bid to be City of Culture
Derry~Londonderry has made history after winning its bid to be the first ever UK City of Culture in 2013.  At 7:30pm on 15 July 2010 it was announced that Northern Ireland’s maiden city had won the judging panel’s vote, over the three other shortlisted cities Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield to take the prestigious title. 
The momentous win means that in 2013 Derry~Londonderry will play host to a year-long celebration of culture in the city, opening its doors to visitors from across the world.  Our office at Queen Street in the city is looking forward to being part of the celebrations.
The historic announcement was made at the Pier Head Ferry Terminal building in Liverpool, designed by Hamilton Architects.

Derry~Londonderry bids for City of Culture
Derry~Londonderry has submitted its bid to be the UK City of Culture 2013.  It is one of four cities along with Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield, which were chosen by an independent judging panel taken from a shortlist of 14 bidders at the end of last year.
The level of support and goodwill from the people of all ages and backgrounds has been tremendous.  Winning the City of Culture title would be an immense boost to the city and Northern Ireland in general, and would further develop the city’s strong cultural base whilst also bringing economic and social benefits.
The winner is due to be announced in the summer.

Restoration of Derry Cathedral Primary School to go ahead
The restoration of the Cathedral Primary School in London Street is finally going ahead thanks to an £832,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Cresco Trust has appointed Kriterion Conservation Architects based in the city to carry out the restoration works on the Grade B1 listed Victorian schoolhouse which will provide new facilities for the whole community and be a great asset to the city.
The school is an attractive red brick building with sandstone dressings and retains many of its original internal features which will be sympathetically restored, respecting the building’s history, layout and form.  When fully restored and opened up it will provide a venue for cultural and heritage tourism and will create training, education and employment opportunities.
The Shoreditch Trust, an award winning London based charitable regeneration agency (renowned for their partnership with Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurants), has been secured as a tenant and will open a restaurant and training facility, providing up to 35 apprenticeships each year for local people interested in pursuing a career in the catering industry.   
This project will bring this historic building back to life providing opportunities for local people to engage with their heritage. It will compliment the strategies of the Public Realm Plan, ILEX Physical Regeneration Strategy, and Derry City Council Development Strategy. The project will also play a part in the Derry~Londonderry Candidate City, UK City of Culture 2013.

Cathedral School, London Street, elevation as viewed through New Gate

Cathedral School, London Street entrance - radiused front entrance door set into recessed and moulded decorated brickwork

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