Judges commended building and 'infectiously enthusiasiastic' youth

An Ealing youth centre has been crowned one of London’s best buildings by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Westside Young People’s Centre was one of 18 projects in the capital to win a RIBA London Region 2013 award which recognises excellence in architecture for new projects in the London region.

Some of the other buildings sharing the honour with Westside include the new Cutty Sark display in Greenwich, the quirky Room for London art installation on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the Southbank and the new apartments at the Mandarin Oriental at One Hyde Park.

Westside, on Churchfield Road, West Ealing, is built on the site of the former W13 youth centre. It underwent a £2.65million transformation before re-opening in 2012. It hosts a wide range of youth-orientated services all under one roof including health facilities, counselling, a training kitchen, sports facilities, craft room, gym and dance space, education and careers advice and a music studio.

Young people who use the centre not only helped to design it, they also took the RIBA judges around Westside when they visited in May. The judges commented: “When architecture uplifts young people and helps to change the course of their lives it can only be commendable. Westside Young People's Centre is just such a project and its users are infectiously enthusiastic about their building.”

Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said: “This is a really significant achievement. Westside is a superb building that serves our young people brilliantly. Well done to everyone who worked on the project.”

Gavin Leonard, the council’s chief architect and the lead designer on the project, said: “To receive the endorsement of the RIBA is a special honour and, considering the calibre of some of the architects whose projects were not given awards this year, a fantastic result. Enormous credit is due to everyone who contributed to the design.”

25th June 2013