Following a hugely successful first half of 2022, we are pleased to announce that BRL have won four industry awards so far this year.

The Wilds, our multi-purpose community, ecology and events space has been recognised at both the RICS Regional Awards and the Planning Awards, winning the ‘Community Benefit’ and ‘Partnership Working’ categories, respectively.

Our unique partnerships with L&Q, which enabled the design and construction of this impressive building, as well as with Participatory City, who are working with us to activate the space, has enabled the creation of an ambitious and sustainable building, programmed for and with residents. Other notable schemes shortlisted across the categories included Battersea Power Station, Britannia Leisure Centre by Hackney Council, and Langarth Garden Village.

Earlier this year, our landmark rebrand project with creative agency Spinach Branding was awarded Gold at the Transform Awards for ‘Best visual identity from the property, construction and facilities management sector’. We were also Highly Commended for the category ‘Best brand architecture solution’. The Transform Awards are European cross-industry awards that celebrate the “transformative power of brand strategy and design”.

Speaking about BRL’s entry, one judge commented: “I love the way the brand is represented physically. It’s beautifully represented graphically and then brought back into the physical world with sculpture and signage.”

Continuing the winning streak, our brand campaign was also recognised by the prestigious Property Marketing Awards and awarded first place in the ‘Best Marketing Campaign: Placemaking’. The campaign made use of out-of-home, print and digital advertisement as well as advertorials on the Evening Standard and Metro. It stood out thanks to the use of imagery featuring Barking Riverside residents, which gave the creative concept a genuine look and authenticity to the place. The campaign generated a sustained stream of enquiries for plot developers, directly impacting their lead acquisition.

We were also shortlisted for The Pineapples in the ‘Community Engagement’ category. This nomination acknowledges BRL’s commitment to bold community leadership in the creation of the Learning Forum, the resident-led body in charge of setting the foundations for the Community Interest Company, CIC, that will manage the estate as part of the project legacy. The Learning Forum has given residents a unique opportunity to lead the approach to decision-making in their neighbourhood.

Further recognition of the success of the Learning Forum, Sarah McCready, Head of Placemaking and Communications, was invited to speak at The Pineapples Festival of Place on 6th July, as part of a ‘Chair’s Pick’ stage.

We have been thrilled to see our unique approaches to placemaking recognised across a range of industry awards—a testament to the commitment and passion of our team and our partners.