Four County Durham buildings up for architecture awards 2026

A new building for the national railway museum and the transformation of a historic walled garden are among the projects shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) North East Awards 2026.

The 17th-century walled garden at Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland, the New Hall at the Locomotion museum in Shildon, the Pockerley area of the Remaking Beamish project, and The Goods Shed at Hopetown, Darlington, have all been nominated.

Andrew Thompson, RIBA North East Jury chair and associate at Faulkner Browns, said: “The RIBA North East Award shortlist for 2026 captures the richness and ambition of architectural practice in the region.

Walled Gardens at Auckland Castle. (Image: RIBA)

“This year’s projects range from finely crafted homes in picturesque landscapes, sensitive restoration of industrial heritage and a playful creativity applied to seemingly ‘everyday’ typologies.

“A deep sense of commitment to care, craft, and quality runs throughout the shortlist.”

Each project will be visited by a regional jury.

Beamish. (Image: RIBA)

Winners of the RIBA North East Awards will be revealed later this spring and will then be considered for several special awards, including the RIBA North East Sustainability Award and RIBA North East Building of the Year.

Mr Thompson said: “Great architecture should delight, challenge expectations and carry a deep sense of responsibility to client, community, and climate.

Locomotion, Shildon. (Image: RIBA)

“The jury looks forward to visiting each project across the region and assessing them against this high standard.”

Regional winners will then be considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award, which will be announced in summer.

The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize – the UK’s best new building – will be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning projects and announced in September. The Stirling Prize winner will be announced in October.