BDP wins big at 2026 RIBA North West Awards
Two BDP projects have been recognised at the 2026 RIBA North West Awards, with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Dalton Building for the Faculty of Science and Engineering also named North West Building of the Year.
The Dalton Building, designed by BDP has been recognised for creating a new academic and civic landmark for Manchester Metropolitan University. The project brings together teaching, research and collaboration spaces within a highly sustainable environment designed to make science visible and accessible.
The judges described the project as “a compelling model for university buildings, combining spatial generosity, environmental quality, and technical rigour within a coherent and compelling whole.”
BDP’s Foundation in Altrincham also received a RIBA North West Award. The project transformed a former department store into a vibrant workspace and town centre destination, demonstrating the potential of adaptive reuse to support regeneration and new ways of working. The awards were announced at the RIBA North West Awards ceremony in Manchester on 6 May.
Royal Institute of British Architects regional awards celebrate the best architecture across the region and recognise projects that demonstrate design excellence and positive social impact.
“To see both the Dalton Building and Foundation recognised by the RIBA is a brilliant result for the teams behind these projects. They are very different buildings, but both show how architecture can bring new energy, purpose and opportunity to the places around them.
“The Dalton Building is a particularly important project for Manchester and for the wider North. Education buildings like this are catalysts for inclusive growth in cities. They attract talent, support research and innovation, and create places where people from all backgrounds can connect, learn and thrive.
“Manchester continues to strengthen its position as one of the UK’s leading educational and knowledge hubs, and the Dalton Building reflects that confidence and ambition.
“BDP has a strong track record of delivering award-winning education projects across the North West, and it’s fantastic to see that legacy continue with recognition from RIBA. To receive the North West Building of the Year award is a huge achievement for everyone involved and we are incredibly proud.”
“The Dalton Building has created a bold and inspirational environment for learning and interdisciplinary research at the heart of Manchester. The building creates a home for STEM in a way that feels genuinely connected to the city, the building is extremely popular, and there’s a real energy from staff and students every day which creates a fantastic atmosphere for everyone.
To see it recognised with the RIBA North West Building of the Year award is fantastic. Everyone involved in the project should be incredibly proud, and we believe it’s a strong contender for a National RIBA Award.”
The Dalton Building and Foundation will now be considered for the 2026 RIBA National Awards, with winners due to be announced in July.
Further Reading
Manchester Metropolitan University, Science and Engineering
Redevelopment of MMU’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, delivering advanced teaching, research facilities and flexible, future-ready spaces.
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Foundation, Altrincham
The Foundation project, formerly the Rackhams department store, is a transformative redevelopment aimed at revitalising Altrincham’s high street.