Stirling news!

We’re delighted to share that BEAM Theatre has been shortlisted for the 2026 RIBA Stirling Prize – one of the UK’s most prestigious architectural awards.

fabrik is incredibly proud to have led the landscape design for this exceptional project, working alongside Bennetts Associates and the wider team, from the successful competition stage through to completion.

Set alongside the River Lea in the heart of Hertford, BEAM has transformed the town’s former theatre into a vibrant cultural destination. Our landscape design helped reconnect the building with its riverside setting, enhance Mill Bridge Park and create welcoming public spaces that strengthen links between the theatre, Hertford town centre and Castle Gardens.

The project demonstrates how thoughtful landscape architecture can play a fundamental role in the transformation of civic buildings. By creating welcoming, accessible and characterful public spaces that connect people with culture, nature and each other, fabrik has helped establish BEAM as one of the UK’s leading new cultural destinations and a lasting asset for Hertford and the wider region.

The Stirling Prize shortlist is a fantastic recognition of the vision, creativity and collaboration of the entire project team, and follows a series of industry accolades including the RIBA National Award, RIBA East Award and RIBA East Sustainability Award.

Congratulations to Bennetts Associates, East Herts Council and everyone involved in bringing this landmark project to life. We’re proud to have played our part in creating a place that will continue to enrich Hertford for generations to come.