The RIBA judges praised the project for “restoring historic architecture with a contemporary civic purpose”, creating new teaching, living and cultural spaces that contribute “to the cultural, environmental, and social life of Cambridge”, and showing “how heritage, contemporary academic needs and environmental responsibility can be aligned.”
“We are very proud that the redevelopment of the Mill Lane Site at Pembroke College has been shortlisted for the 2026 Sterling Prize. Over several years, we have been working closely with Haworth Tompkins Architects, and the wider design team, to ensure that the scheme is built to the highest standard and reflects the quality of the design context. This required traditional construction techniques to refurbish and remodel the historic buildings, as well as modern methods of construction for the new build student accommodation and interventions which link the site’s heritage with its new use, providing a major and sustainable addition to the College’s campus. In 2022, Nail McLaughlin Architect’s New Library at Magdelene College won the Sterling Prize and it’s such a pleasure to be involved with these types of projects which receive the highest of accolades from the RIBA”. Steve Nugent | Managing Director | Cocksedge Building Contractors.
