Children’s hospital shortlisted for top award

The Evelina Children's Hospital, which cost £60 million, was designed by Hopkins Architects. It was one of three local buildings to win a RIBA award this year and be considered for the shortlist for the top prize.

"We are absolutely delighted that the Evelina Children's Hospital has been short listed for such a prestigious award," says Alastair Gourlay, who oversaw the building of the new hospital for Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.

"We are so proud of the hospital – it is a great environment for caring for sick children and an excellent place for staff to work. Winning the Stirling Prize would be fantastic recognition for all the people who have made the hospital possible, including the hundreds of local people who donated to the Evelina Children's Hospital Appeal."

Clinical director Dr Frances Flinter added that the shortlisting is "a real morale booster" for the 800+ staff who work in the building.

"We all know the Evelina is world-class, but it great to know other people think so too. We will have fingers and toes crossed as the final approaches. It would be amazing to win."

The new hospital, which has been open to patients since November 2005, was funded by a £50 million grant from Guy's and St Thomas' Charity and £10 million from central government.

The other buildings on the shortlist are: Brick House, London; Idea Store, Whitechapel, London; National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff; New Area Terminal, Barajas Airport, Madrid, Spain; Phaeno Science Centre, Germany.

The winner of the the RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced at the Roundhouse on Saturday 14 October and televised live on Channel 4. Previous winners include the Scottish Parliament, Gateshead Millennium Bridge and Peckham Library.