Our new A&E department at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary has been announced as the overall winner of Huddersfield Civic Society’s annual Design Awards.

Presented by the Mayor of Kirklees Cllr Cahal Burke, at a ceremony at the Brian Jackson Centre, the A&E was one of five winners to receive a trophy. 

The unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary won the title for the Best New Build and was also the overall winner at the Huddersfield Civic Society Design Awards.

ED Consultant and Clinical Lead for the new A&E, Dr Mark Davies, said: "It’s a great honour to receive this award on behalf of the many colleagues within the estates and clinical teams who worked with our design and construction partners to design the building. Its wonderful to get recognition from the local area. At the end of the day, this is a building that will benefit the people of Huddersfield and it is a success story for the whole town."

The judges' comments read: "As well as celebrating fact that the A&E Department is soon to be formally opened, the new building demonstrates considerable care and understanding with regard to its external appearance, layout and internal design.

"There has clearly been both empathy and strong joint working between the foundation trust, architects and contractors.

"External elevations not only achieve an attractive balance of stonework and powder-coated cladding but great thought has been given to landscaping, permeable surfaces and signage. Internally, the spaces reflect uses with colourful elements and furnishings that enliven the overall atmosphere and murals particularly those aimed at younger patients.

"On the day of the judges’ visit, it was remarked: ‘it’s a nice place to be poorly’. Indeed it is."

The new facility is due to open to the public by early June.