BEAM shortlisted for industry awards

Hertford's BEAM theatre and cinema has been shortlisted in two prestigious building and engineering awards.

The first is the Public Building category at the 2025 Brick Awards, hosted by the Brick Development Association. Now in its 49th year, the awards recognise the outstanding use of clay brick in architecture and design.

Other high-profile projects shortlisted include London’s Silvertown Tunnel and Randall Pattern Play, along with Tileyard North in West Yorkshire. Winners will be announced at a London ceremony on 5th November 2025.

BEAM also features in the Institution of Structural Engineers Awards 2025, an international programme that assesses projects against four key principles: planet, people, process and profession.

Judges praised BEAM as: "A thoughtful reuse-first transformation that breathes new life into a dated theatre while reducing environmental impact. The result is a revitalised civic asset that balances buildability, acoustic performance, and environmental responsibility."

Other shortlisted projects include Everton Stadium, the Shanghai Greenhouse Project and Central Station Metro in Sydney, Australia.

BEAM was designed by Bennetts Associates with structural engineering by Integral Engineering Design.

The BEAM project extended and reimagined the former Hertford Theatre to deliver a vibrant, multi-purpose cultural hub featuring a 547-seat main theatre, three cinema screens, a studio theatre, and community rooms, together eiwth an allp-day bar and cafe.

Councillor Sarah Hopewell, Executive Member for Wellbeing at East Herts Council, said: "To be shortlisted alongside such exceptional projects is a real testament to the outstanding design and dedication of the entire project team in bringing BEAM to life. Whatever the outcome, being recognised in such distinguished company is already a tremendous achievement."