Barnsley Street wins RICS London Award

The centre, which is the first of its kind in England, and serves as a community-based support hub for people with mental health needs in Bethnal Green, came out on top in the Community Benefit category.

Joined on stage by Service Manager Hannah Lawless and architect Jason Danziger, Look Ahead’s Senior Building Surveyor Adriano Sapelli, lifted the trophy at the ceremony on behalf of the team. The London win also guarantees the service a place at the UK Grand Final in October.

Barnsley Street Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre is run and developed by a partnership made up of Look Ahead, the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) and the Tower Hamlets Mental Health Alliance and was recognised for a variety of modifications to several Look Ahead properties that created the service, as well as the fantastic wellbeing outcomes it has supported individuals to achieve, and the savings and benefits it delivers for the NHS.

Just a few of these changes included re-modelling several flats to create guest rooms for individuals coming for support to stay overnight where needed, the development of welcoming communal spaces for therapeutic group and individual activities and support sessions, accessibility-focused adjustments and a new, inviting reception.

The planned works were completed by a partnership between Look Ahead’s property team, GDS Chartered Surveyors and contractors Chas Berger, while the architectural design of the project was led by Jason Danziger at thinkbuild architecture BDA (Berlin), who also advised as a Therapeutic Atmosphere Design Consultant.

Look Ahead’s Senior Building Surveyor Adriano Sapelli said: “Winning this award is a fantastic achievement for all involved with Barnsley Street Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre from development to delivery. Ultimately it was the pioneering and innovative mental health service being provided to the community that wowed the judges. To have our work recognised and celebrated by the world’s leading professional body for chartered surveyors is a real honour, and speaks volumes to the level of expertise of all involved and the positive impact our work can have. Bring on the national awards!”