A council housing development in Croydon has been named the UK's best new building, winning the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize. Lion Green Road in Coulsdon, designed by Mary Duggan Architects with Ruff Architects, was praised for its innovative design and social impact. The award marks only the second time a council housing project has won the prize, following Goldsmith Street in Norwich in 2019.
The project, which delivered 157 homes on a steeply sloping site, exceeded the council's initial target of 80 homes. The pink and brown brick towers are set among mature trees and bluebell woodlands, with flats overlooking allotments, playgrounds, and the rolling hills of south London. The judges described it as a model of council-led housebuilding, confounding bookmakers' odds to take the top honour.
The win is a bittersweet vindication for Croydon's former housebuilding company, Brick by Brick, which was halted in 2020 when the council went bankrupt. Numerous projects were cancelled, but Lion Green Road survived as a testament to what public sector construction can achieve. The award comes as the government plans to invest £39bn in the housing sector, with calls for a "council housebuilding comeback" gaining traction.
Mary Duggan Architects and Ruff Architects collaborated on the design, which features generous flats and a landscape that integrates with the surrounding area. The development's success highlights the potential for high-quality council housing to address the UK's housing crisis. It also puts a spotlight on housing design at a time when public investment is set to increase significantly.
The Stirling Prize is awarded annually by the Royal Institute of British Architects to the building that has made the greatest contribution to British architecture. Previous winners include Goldsmith Street, which was recognised for its low-energy brick terraces. Lion Green Road's victory is seen as a boost for council-led projects and a reminder of the role public housing can play in creating sustainable communities.
Despite the challenges faced by Croydon Council, the project demonstrates how local authorities can deliver ambitious housing schemes. The award may encourage other councils to pursue similar initiatives, especially as the government prepares to inject substantial funding into the sector. The recognition also underscores the importance of good design in social housing, ensuring that residents have access to attractive and functional homes.