The Prof. Lord Bhattacharyya building, home to the National Automotive Innovation Centre, at the University of Warwick, has been crowned the best workplace in the UK, in the Innovation category, at the prestigious British Council for Offices (BCO) awards.

The BCO Awards, recognises the highest quality developments in the UK and sets the standard for excellence in both the regional and national office sector.

As a Midlands and Central England regional award winner, the building was then crowned the national Innovation Award winner, at a virtual ceremony last night (Thursday 10th June).

Named in honour of Britain’s first ever Professor of Manufacturing, the Prof. Lord Bhattacharyya Building houses the National Automotive Innovation Centre; a multimillion-pound centre, founded by WMG, Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors which is well timed, arriving when a global mobility revolution is underway, and aiming to be a stimulus to the rebirth of an optimistic new age of manufacturing in the Midlands to develop future vehicles and mobility solutions.

Fronted by a dramatic elevation, the 33,000m2 building has been sensitively designed for engineers, designers and academics to work together in, with a variety of spaces allowing for both privacy and collaboration. A timber roof spans the structure of the building, demonstrating the sustainable credentials of a facility that cannot but inspire.

Executive Chair of WMG, Margot James comments: “I’m thrilled that the Prof. Lord Bhattacharyya Building has been recognised in this way, it is a great tribute to the late Professor Lord Bhattacharyya’s vision. Having a building that inspires designers, engineers and academics to develop the next generation of transport is excellent news for our partners and the region. The Midlands is the beating heart of automotive in the UK, and the National Automotive Innovation Centre, will be the driving force behind future innovation in transport mobility.”

James Breckon, Director of Estates, at the University of Warwick, comments: “It is great to see this new building being recognised by other professionals and is testament to the wealth of architectural and engineering talent that was brought together to deliver this exemplary sustainable building. It brilliantly draws Industry and Academia together providing an inspirational environment to innovative within. As a landmark building it has transformed the campus at the University of Warwick and is a fitting legacy to the late Prof Lord Bhattacharyya.”

Carol Costello, Practice Leader at Cullinan Studio who led on the interior and workplace design added: “It’s been our pleasure to engage with all the organisations using the NAIC. We had deep discussions about how to create an environment that would foster innovation, creativity and collaboration. The finished building is the result of many passionate conversations to create a truly inspiring place.”