Firth Park Nursery, Sheffield

The project was won through a competition sponsored by CABE and the DFES which encouraged a new approach to the design of learning spaces for children. The nursery complex also includes a crèche, café and community accommodation on a site within Firth Park, a historic park in the Shiregreen parish.

The nursery building promotes the child's development by providing a stimulating and varied learning environment both internally and externally. The building also incorporates sustainable development features such as the local sourcing of materials and a landscape strategy that encourages travel by foot and bicycle.

A key feature of the design development process has been the close consultation between architect, client (Sheffield City Council) and the other project stakeholders to produce a building which is expected to be a showcase for other nurseries constructed across the country. The scheme received planning approval early in 2003 and construction work was completed in 2004.

In November 2005 the scheme won the RIBA Yorkshire White Rose Award for Excellence in Architecture and the Built Environment in the Community and Religion category.

Budget: £1.8 million
Completed: 2004

Awards:
White Rose Award (2006)
Civic Trust Commendation (2006)

Nursery group rooms and outside playspaces open onto the park