Castle Quay Banbury development shortlisted for Revo award

The design has made it onto a competitive shortlist for the industry's top award, Best New Development.

Castle Quay is one of only three centres to be shortlisted and is up against Battersea Power Station and Chester Northgate.

The nomination is for the Revo awards (Image: Castle Quay)

The imminent announcement comes following an extensive review by judges, looking for projects that can be best regarded as top-class both nationally and internationally.

The centre had to demonstrate an exceptional approach to design and deliverance, including how well the development integrated within its surroundings and any challenges faced and overcome.

Notable factors included stakeholder involvement and inventive approaches to leasing, marketing, design, collaboration, and sustainability.

Judges were impressed with Castle Quay's significant impact on Banbury's night-time economy and footfall increases, the development's integration with the canal side, and the boosted retail trading area.

Castle Quay was one of three centres nominated (Image: Castle Quay)

They also praised Cherwell District Council for its essential role in actualising the development and enhancing the potential for residents.

Innovations in the development shone through for the judges, such as introducing a Street Food destination and bar, Lock29, during the pandemic.

The award-winning Changing Places facility brought to Banbury, the daily manned Customer Services Desk and the breath of leisure facilities through The Light were also notable.

The Revo Awards celebrate the built environment's best, spanning sector development, investment, asset management, operations, customer experience, and destination marketing.

Centre director at Castle Quay Shopping Centre, Oliver Wren, said: "The Waterfront has helped transform Banbury and create a truly 21st-century destination that is accessible to all.

"The new destination celebrates the town's heritage, improves connectivity, and helps give everyone a stake in their town centre.

"The Revo’s are hugely respected, and to be shortlisted is a huge accolade but to win would be the icing on the cake.

"I look forward to hearing the results for all the finalists on the 6th of December.

Councillor Donna Ford, Cherwell District Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: "We are incredibly proud to have delivered a cutting-edge cinema and entertainment complex for Banbury along with new food venues, night-time destinations and a much-needed town centre supermarket.

"It was always our intention to put Banbury on the map with this regeneration project, so to be shortlisted for this prestigious award from a competitive field shows how much the town has to be proud of.

Councillor Eddie Reeves, Cherwell District Council’s portfolio holder for property, added: "There is a real buzz about the Waterfront development at Castle Quay and it is fantastic to see it get this richly deserved recognition. It is proving to be a tremendous success for Banbury and the surrounding area.

"The Revo’s are competitive and prestigious awards, and to be named as a finalist is no mean feat.