A theatre in a Merseyside town has won a national award for its regeneration project.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has named the Shakespeare North Playhouse project in Prescot as the 2024 RIBA Client of the Year winners.

The project, which was led by the Shakespeare North Trust and Knowsley Council, was recognised for its role in inspiring the community, boosting opportunities, raising educational aspirations, and contributing to the wider area's regeneration.

The Shakespeare North Playhouse was built on a former council-owned car park and includes a theatre, exhibition space, outdoor performance area, and seminar rooms.

The playhouse is also home to the only known purpose-built indoor Elizabethan theatre.

Judges praised the project's focus on social purpose and investment, noting their partnerships with merchants and collaborations with independent businesses.

Stephanie Macdonald, founding director of 6a Architects, said: "Pursuing cultural excellence and local needs with equal ambition, Shakespeare North has successfully revitalised the community, transforming one of England’s most deprived boroughs and making Prescot a new cultural destination in the UK.

"By inviting the local youth theatre group as the main resident at the outset, and appointing 30 community coordinators, they fostered genuine engagement and addressed the needs of the wider region.

"3,000 people attended the opening parade with floats from each community group."