Chapter House joins a list of 24 projects from across the UK that demonstrate architects, clients and users working together 'for the common good' as part of the RIBAJ Macewen Award longlist. The Later Living scheme shortlisted in the 'New Approaches to Housing' category has been specifically designed around the needs of people as they age, allowing them to live independently for longer within the wider community.

Chapter House makes a hugely positive civic contribution, bringing high quality architecture to a prominent city centre site that references Lichfield’s distinctive built heritage (the new building sits adjacent to the site of a medieval Friary) while offering a strong contemporary presence. The development also contributes to Lichfield’s public realm, in particular through a new publicly accessible route that links a pocket park at the front of the building via a new cloistered walkway, to Monk’s Walk - an existing and cherished public garden at the rear of the site, thus knitting the development into the townscape and connecting residents with the existing community.

The proposals for Chapter House were the subject of extensive pre-application discussions with key stakeholders including Lichfield District Council, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire University, local councillors, the Monk’s Walk Restoration Group, Lichfield Civic Society, local residents and other members of the public. Particular attention was paid during early site visits to explore how Monk’s Walk could be integrated into the layout and remain a publicly accessible, valued open space.

Other shortlisted schemes include Hafer Road in Wandsworth by Peter Barber Architects and The Malings in Newcastle by Ash Sakula.