The Beam shortlisted for award
A flagship business hub at the heart of Sunderland city centre has been shortlisted for a coveted industry award.
The Beam – the first building to emerge as part of the Riverside Sunderland redevelopment – has made the final line-up in the Project of the Year category of the Constructing Excellence in the North East (CENE) Awards, which are due to be held in Newcastle in September.
Tolent, the North East construction firm that completed work on The Beam, after stepping in mid-way through the build following the collapse of Carillion Construction, nominated the project for the award, with the winner set to be announced in September.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The Beam is a stunning building, and I am delighted to see the work of a number of our partners – including Tolent, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Gleeds, Identity Consult, Cundall Johnston and Partners, Desco and Landscape Projects – being recognised in this way.
“We are transforming the city through not only the construction of new spaces, but the renovation of old buildings too, and it’s fantastic to see some of the stunning projects we’re delivering attracting attention on both a regional and national stage.”
David Thompson, regional director at Tolent, said: “We’re delighted to see the Beam shortlisted for the Project of the Year and the Integration and Collaborative Working categories in the CENE awards.
“Despite the original contractor falling into administration partway through the contract, we rose to the challenge and were able to deliver this project on time, whilst safeguarding local jobs.”
The CENE Awards are a celebration of everything the North East built environment has to be proud of, designed to showcase excellence and celebrate the achievements of organisations across the region.
Peter McIntyre, city development director at Sunderland City Council, said: “The Beam really is one of the most significant buildings we have seen rise from the ground in recent years, not only in terms of what it represents – as the first building on the Riverside Sunderland development – but in respect of its ability to attract a company like Ocado to the city.
“We’re delighted this has been recognised in making the shortlist for this prestigious award.”
The Beam will face stiff competition to scoop the award. It will go head to head against Hylton Castle in the category, with a number of other high-profile regional projects in the running.