Award Winning Plaza at the regional RICS Awards

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) awarded their top awards to the Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre on the evening of Monday 16th May in a glittering event focusing on the achievements of regional heritage, restoration and building projects.

The RICS was founded in 1868 and granted a royal charter by Queen Victoria in 1881 which required the institution "to maintain and promote the usefulness of the profession for the public advantage".

This year’s annual regional award ceremony saw the Plaza being awarded the Building conservation award which looks at the contribution that the conserved building can make in its widest sense, and looks for the highest standards of restoration and renovation paying particular attention to the introduction of new and sustainable uses which will ensure the survival of the historic building in the future.

In the category the judges look for evidence of detailed background research and how this research informed the approach taken to the overall scheme therefore it was right and fitting that our Vice Chairman and Technical Director Gary Trinder stepped up to accept the prize on behalf of the Plaza as his guidance and commitment to detail during the restoration of the Plaza is in evidence through your restored venue for this and future generations to enjoy
 
As the evening headed towards its completion the main prize of the Regional Project of The Year was announced.
The Plaza as an integral part of the historical , architectural and social history of the region were awarded first prize in this acclaimed catagory due to her unique architectural qualities and rarity which had been so attentively brought back to life through the recent restorations.

To accept the prize on behalf of the Stockport Plaza trust were Nigel Anderton - Chairman of the Trust, Gary Trinder - Vice Chairman and Technical Director and Roy Aspinall who through his technical expertise in woodworking skills recreated our orchestra pit rail and stage stairs and worked alongside the team of dedicated volunteers who did so much of the work during our restoration and refurbishment.

As regional winner the Plaza automatically makes it through as a nominee for the International RICS awards in London in October 2011
 
Architects Brock Carmichael
Principal Contractor G F Holding