Shortlist announced for 30th anniversary of internationally renowned award

Following the news that seven projects designed by Tenderstream members have won RIBA National Awards, the Paddington Square project by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, with Adamson Associates, has been selected as one of the six nominees for the Stirling Prize. The internationally renowned award, presented by RIBA to the UK’s best new building, is celebrating its 30th anniversary year. The winner will be announced live at London’s Old Billingsgate on 15 October 2026.

Described by London RIBA jury chair Amir Senai as "a synthesis of engineering precision, civic generosity, and architectural restraint", Paddington Square is a major urban project that completely redefines the public realm on the south-eastern side of Paddington station. It introduces a generous 5,450 sq m piazza in place of the narrow arrival road, connecting the station to a new underground ticket hall integrated beneath an 18-storey mixed-use development in the northern corner of the plot. The building’s reduced ground-floor footprint maximises the public space. An existing brick building, too close to the station to allow a properly sized piazza, could not accommodate the required office and retail spaces and was therefore removed.

The civic space enhances pedestrian movement, reconnects streets previously severed by infrastructure, and provides a step-free entrance to the Bakerloo line alongside an expanded ticket hall. The development includes 32,500 sq m of Grade-A office space, 33 retail units, cafés, and restaurants, as well as a publicly accessible rooftop terrace with panoramic views of London. Public artworks by internationally recognized artists enliven the piazza, enriching the daily experience of commuters, visitors, and residents. Through its thoughtful design, environmental responsibility, and civic contribution, the square establishes a welcoming gateway to one of London’s key transport hubs while supporting the wider regeneration of the area.

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

Start your free trial here or email our team directly at customerservices@tenderstream.com