Mareel wins nationwide ‘architectural excellence’ award

Cinema and music venue Mareel has become one of only five Scottish projects to receive a national award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

It has also been nominated for RIBA’s top award, the Stirling Prize. The building also won a gong from the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), announced at RIAS’ awards ceremony in Edinburgh on Wednesday night.

The news came just hours after Shetland Islands Council agreed to spend £1.1 million on a 99-year lease which secures the North Ness building’s future as an arts venue.

Mareel was designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects, and houses a music auditorium, two cinemas, rehearsal rooms, recording studio, education spaces and a cafe-bar.

RIBA president Angela Brady said: “Risk-taking is not for the faint-hearted in recessionary times, but amongst this year’s crop of truly exceptional buildings I am delighted to see such a variety of projects doing just that.”

Shetland Arts’ marketing officer Lisa Ward said: “Mareel is an exceptional building and we are proud to see it acknowledged by these national institutes for architectural excellence.”

The winner of the Stirling Prize will be announced in London on 26th September.