Matthew Moss wins ‘Rochdale Borough Design Award’

Claire Butler, from Inspired Spaces, collects the Rochdale Borough Design Award on behalf of Matthew Moss High School from Mayor James Gartside

Matthew Moss High School collected the ‘Rochdale Borough Design Award’ at the fourth annual Rochdale Borough Design Awards.

The school has been transformed with a new layout and teaching accommodation. Judges said they were impressed with the design, the quality of the project and its positive impact on the community.

The Old Simpson House in Heywood won the ‘People’s Design Award’. Judges were also impressed by the refurbishment and modernisation of the historic building which has been converted into a solicitor’s office. Anna Heeley, Associate Solicitor at Savas & Savage, said she was “surprised but very proud.”

A new Sustainable Design Award was won by Hollingworth Business and Enterprise College. The school in Milnrow replaces existing buildings which were previously spread across the site. Judges were impressed with its striking design and stunning interior – ‘strong and simple with organisation and wayfinding a key design driver.’

All three awards were presented by Mayor, Councillor James Gartside, who said it was very pleasing to see such a strong field: “We have seen some fantastic buildings that, in addition to being well designed, have had an all important impact on their local community and in many cases demonstrated environmental benefits.”

Claire Butler from Inspired Spaces, who collected the awards on behalf of Matthew Moss High School and Hollingworth Business & Enterprise College, said they were both delighted.

Ryder Architecture’s team based in Liverpool worked on the Matthew Moss High School and Hollingworth Business & Enterprise College projects. Director Gareth Callen said the awards were testament to the partnering approach of the design team, construction staff and the schools:

“The challenges were varied and significant but it’s really gratifying to reflect that the worthwhile effort has been recognised.”

The awards, sponsored by UK construction and civil engineering company Sir Robert McAlpine, focus on the relationship between good design of new developments and building successful communities.