Gareth Hoskins Architects have come top of a strong shortlist of six international practices to win the RIBA run competition to work with the renowned Bird College dance, music and theatre school in Sidcup, Kent. The project will see the redevelopment and rationalisation of the college’s current facilities to bring them in line with the best in their sector and accommodate increased student numbers.

Along with senior college representatives the esteemed panel included Professor Anthony Brown, Principal and Chief Executive of Trinity Laban, Laura Lee, Chief Executive of Maggie’s Centres and Greg Penoyre, Senior Partner at Penoyre & Prasad, acting as RIBA architectural advisor.

Greg Penoyre commented ‘We had an incredibly strong shortlist and the decision was a difficult one. But the panel was unanimous in choosing Gareth Hoskins and his team whose proposals demonstrated skilful responses to a broad range of issues and a strong empathy with the college.’