Double Award Success for The Robinson as it Secures NWRCA Regeneration and Conservation Award

The 20th-anniversary awards ceremony took place on the 2nd of July at the iconic Titanic Hotel in Liverpool, gathering industry leaders and peers to celebrate the very best in regional construction, design, and social impact.

This latest accolade adds to a growing list of recognition for The Robinson, following its recent triumph at the Blackpool Civic Trust Awards. Winning the Regeneration and Conservation category highlights the meticulous care, innovative design, and dedication the project team poured into breathing new life into this vital Blackpool site whilst preserving its essential historical character.

Reimagining an Art Deco Landmark Formerly known as the Stanley Buildings, this locally listed 1930s landmark has been transformed into a vibrant £8.2 million business hub for Blackpool Council. The building was renamed ‘The Robinson’ in honour of John Charles Robinson, Blackpool Corporation’s visionary former chief architect who originally designed the distinctive triangular building in 1935.

Acting as lead architect and heritage consultant, Cassidy + Ashton was tasked with undertaking an extensive ‘life cycle’ refurbishment to secure the building’s future. The derelict upper floors have been completely revitalised to offer 44 contemporary private offices, six meeting rooms, and a dynamic co-working environment, all designed to support the town’s next generation of entrepreneurs and growing businesses.

A Fabric-First Approach to Conservation The design brief required a careful balance of heritage preservation and future-facing sustainability. Our architectural team executed critical fabric repairs to the exterior brick, stonework, and signature cream faience blocks. The project also included a full replacement of the roof, alongside the installation of 18 bespoke ground-floor shopfronts and period-accurate windows that replicate the original 1930s aesthetic while vastly improving thermal performance.

To reduce the building’s carbon footprint and ensure long-term environmental viability, a low-carbon energy strategy was implemented, integrating Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar PV panels into the historic structure.

A Collaborative Success Regeneration projects like The Robinson are at the heart of what we do at Cassidy + Ashton. Transforming a derelict heritage asset into a thriving, eco-friendly workspace requires immense collaboration, and this award is a shared victory. We would like to extend our thanks and congratulations to our client, Blackpool Council, main contractor F Parkinson Ltd, and the wider project team for their dedication to delivering this exceptional scheme.

It is a tremendous honour to see The Robinson recognised on a regional stage for its positive impact on the local community and the built environment. We are thrilled to see another key building in Blackpool’s cultural past playing a central role in driving the town’s long-term regeneration.

A huge congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this fantastic project to fruition!