Royal Shakespeare Theatre named Major Project of the Year at BCI Awards

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre was announced 'Major Project of the Year' at the prestigious British Construction Industry (BCI) Awards.

Delivered by Mace through a construction management service, the theatre was up against strong competition within its category, recognising major UK projects over the value of £50m. Shortlists included; The Sainsbury Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, Project Allenby/Connaught in Wiltshire, the London 2012 Olympic Stadium and London 2012 Olympic Velodrome, Angel Building in London and The Cube in Birmingham.

Mace director, Rob Ewen said: "This has been one of our most exciting projects completed within the last year, transforming one of the UK's most celebrated theatres into what is now deemed the best theatre in the world for Shakespeare. The 1000-seat thrust stage auditorium is the largest thrust stage with a tiered auditorium in the world and brings actors and audience closer together; energising the experience for both.

The project team dynamic, from the client through to the operatives on the ground provided a superb project experience for all. That dynamic is at the heart of the successful delivery of this highly complex building; to cost, to time and to a standard that delights all who experience the finished space"

In its 24th year, the BCI Awards recognises construction excellence across the UK. Projects once again raised the bar of quality in construction despite the challenges of a difficult market that they were delivered in.

The awards ceremony, presented by BBC News presenter Huw Edwards, took place in the Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane and was attended by over 900 of the industry's major players.