Urban Splash announces winners of design competition for Lex site
Urban Splash has announced the winners of the design competition held for the former Lex site on Walsall Waterfront.
Following an intense competition, which was run in partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Urban Splash has confirmed that designs from Vienna based practice MOH Architects have been selected ahead of 131 other entries. The team went up against six other shortlisted architects to compete for the chance to deliver proposals to develop this important gateway site.
The winning proposals comprise four low level buildings which will stand at the Northern end of the site. The buildings will align the waterfront and will contain a mix of residential and commercial units as well as public courtyards and private residential areas.
Jörg Hugo of MOH, said: “We are thrilled to have had our designs selected for the Lex site. The team is now looking forward to working with Urban Splash and its partners to deliver something really special.”
MOH were selected by an expert panel of judges including acclaimed architect Glenn Howells, the man behind the redesign of the Rotunda in Birmingham. Also on the panel were key Walsall Council figures including council leader Cllr John O’Hare, deputy leader Cllr Adrian Andrew and Paul Sheehan, chief executive. Ben Reid of the Walsall Regeneration Company, Peter Murray of English Partnerships and Stuart Kirkwood of Advantage West Midlands were also judges.
Urban Splash was represented by chief executive Jonathan Falkingham and Midlands managing director Nathan Cornish who said: “The panel was looking for a concept which was right for Walsall, something which would not only complement the Waterfront plans, but also come up with a vision that would work this waterfront site to its full potential.
“The calibre of entries was incredibly high and we were delighted to see such a strong interpretation of our requirements. Not only was MOH’s winning design superb but there has to be a special mention to runners up Kirkland Fraser Moore for their stunning entry as well as Type O, an exemplary young practice whose ingenuity and creativity is extremely exciting for the industry.”
Ben Reid, chairman of Walsall Regeneration Company, added: “This is a real show of confidence in our drive to deliver a new Walsall. Lex will be the final piece in the jigsaw for the inspirational Waterfront development and will play a major role in the town centre’s regeneration.”
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is fantastic news and a truly inspiring idea for a development that will continue the exciting work at the Waterfront. With our partners it was always our intention to create a new quarter within Walsall based on architectural design of the highest order and this continues the trend.”
