Primary awarded RIBA East Midlands Building of the Year
The first stage of Primary’s capital development has been recognised through a RIBA East Midlands Award, as well as further awards for Building, Client and Small Project of the Year.
Securing the freehold of our Grade II-listed building in 2020 was an essential first step, enabling us to embark on a journey of redevelopment, transforming a characterful, former Victorian school building in the Radford neighbourhood of Nottingham into a valuable cultural resource.
The latest phase of architect Pricegore’s long term collaboration with Primary creates a new public entrance by inserting a series of new gates alongside prominent new signage designed with residents Joff + Ollie. The entrance leads into a welcoming landscape reconfiguring the former playground with abundant planting, generous steps, an outdoor workshop, and an oversized canopy sheltering the new main entrance to the building. Inside a refurbished hallway, a large studio-kitchen and inclusive access facilities offers residents and visitors an enhanced experience.
These first strategic alterations to the building are realised as gestures of welcome, strengthening the relationship between the organisation and the surrounding city, visitors and residents.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) writes that Primary is a ‘dynamic artistic hub’, and the “careful repurposing of the historic building ensures its long-term preservation. Meanwhile, ongoing knowledge exchange, participation and engagement between artists and audiences strengthen Primary as a unique cultural asset. This refreshing space fosters collaboration, creativity and community, reaching beyond its immediate neighbourhood to inspire and connect people from all walks of life”.
2025 RIBA East Midlands Award
2025 RIBA East Midlands Building of the Year
2025 RIBA East Midlands Client of the Year
2025 RIBA East Midlands Small Project of the Year
Read more about the awards on The RIBA Journal here.
Site Acquisition and Development:
In 2020 we purchased our site to enable long-term sustainability. The acquisition was facilitated by a grant from Arts Council England and with support from Nottingham City Council. First-stage capital developments completed in 2023 were made possible by support from Arts Council England, Nottingham City Council, The Architectural Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Severn Trent Community Fund, University of Nottingham, Browne Jacobson Charitable Trust, and a Crowdfunding campaign supported by our incredible audiences, participants and collaborators.