Hay Castle

by MICA Architects

Client Hay Castle Trust

Award RSAW Award 2024, RSAW Conservation Award 2024 and RSAW Building of the Year 2024 (sponsored by EH Smith)

Hay CastleAndy StaggWEBIMAGE1jpg — Hay Castle © Andy Stagg

Hay Castle sits in the heart of the Powys market town of Hay-on-Wye. Having been in private ownership for the best part of 900 years, this project has adapted the castle and its grounds into a unique historic destination for many to visit and enjoy.

It involved a major conservation-led renovation and repair of the important historic building, which included contemporary interventions to bring the castle back to life and for public benefit. It has not only delivered a vibrant place for gathering, learning, and the arts but also made important connections between castle and town to reinvigorate its location and offer views across the River Wye and the valley beyond.

This is a fine example of a thoroughly researched and applied set of works in conservation and heritage for contemporary use. MICA Architects have shown all their skills in achieving such quality architecture to the benefit of many.

Read the full citation from the RIBA Awards Jury on RIBA Journal

Contractors John Weaver Contractors

Structural Engineers engineersHRW

Services Engineers CO2O Consulting

Project Management Mott Macdonald

Quantity Surveyor / Cost Consultant Aecom

Conservation Architect Acanthus Clews Architects

Landscape Architect Jeremy Rye

Archaeological Consultant Oxford Archaeology

Fire Consultant Mott Macdonald

Interpretation Consultant Imagemakers

Clerk of Work McNamara and Co