THE Hive continues to create a big buzz, scooping the prize for the best new build project of the year.

The award was handed out in the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Building Performance Awards 2013.

Opened in July 2012 as a partnership project between Worcestershire County Council and the University of Worcester, The Hive was announced the winner at the awards ceremony last night in London.

The Hive had tough competition, shortlisted alongside six other internationally recognised buildings including the newly opened Titanic in Belfast, a unique visitor experience as it is the birthplace of the Titanic.

Also shortlisted in the category were the world renowned beautifully crafted Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, previous winner of top architectural accolades including 'Building of the Year' at the World Architecture Festival 2012.

The Hive was recognised for its good practice, outstanding energy performance use of passive design and renewable technologies to create a sustainable building whilst delivering high level of comfort and
performance for its visitors.

The £60 million development opened by HRH The Queen has already attracted more than 550,000 visitors through its doors in the first seven months of operation.


David Thain, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Transformation and Change at Worcestershire County Council said, "We are very proud The Hive has received this prestigious award. It is wonderful that The Hive has been recognised in so many areas; for its environmental impact, its contribution to the community and for pioneering partnership working. We look forward to seeing The Hive continue to be an inspiring place that everyone in the local community can enjoy."

Guy Nevill, Senior Partner – Max Fordham LLP – Building Services and Environmental Engineers said "'We are delighted that The Hive has won the building performance awards, particularly against such stiff competition. The challenging client brief required some creative engineering to meet the low energy targets. It is very rewarding for the whole team that The Hive has been recognised for achieving those goals and delivering an exemplary learning environment." 


Professor David Green, University of Worcester Vice Chancellor, said: “The Hive is proving to be an inspiring success as a centre for learning, culture and heritage, as befits the nation’s first joint university and public Library. It is also a beautiful building. On top of this it is an outstandingly sustainable building – so important in this era of global warming and ever more extreme climate change. Winning this top environmental award shows just how high a standard has been achieved.”