Pineapples Award nomination is ‘pear-fect’ news
ARU Peterborough’s new £32 million building is going for gold in national awards
The Lab building at ARU Peterborough - photograph courtesy of Philip Vile
ARU Peterborough’s new £32 million building is in the running for a prestigious national award – just a few months after its official opening.
The Lab, the third building at the city’s rapidly growing university, has been shortlisted in the Best Building category at the Pineapples Awards 2025.
The Pineapples Awards recognise projects that make a positive impact on places and people, celebrating buildings that are welcoming rather than simply aesthetically pleasing. Award winners receive a golden pineapple trophy, with the pineapple historically being a symbol of welcome in UK architecture.
The awards have a unique judging process, with the 51 judges asked to evaluate projects from both a professional and personal perspective. Judges consider the social and environmental impact, their own physical reactions, and how people from diverse backgrounds might experience the space.
Designed by Cambridge-based MCW architects and built by Morgan Sindall Construction, ARU Peterborough’s The Lab features engineering workshops, a microbiology lab, a tissue culture lab, teaching spaces, and the Living Lab, which has been specifically designed for public engagement events, talks, and exhibitions.
The timber building also meets high environmental standards, earning an Excellent rating from BREEAM, the leading global standard for building sustainability. During its construction, over 258 tonnes of CO2 emissions were saved.
As the third building to open since the university’s launch in 2022, The Lab’s specialised teaching facilities have enabled ARU Peterborough to expand its range of employment-focused courses, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) subjects.
“The University is already receiving national attention for our impact in improving access to education and raising skills levels in the region, and we’re thrilled that our fabulous buildings are also being recognised.
“We’ve worked hard to make sure ARU Peterborough is a wonderful place to study, work, and visit. Our campus is open and accessible to the community, and this Pineapples Award nomination is testament to that. I encourage anyone who hasn’t already visited ARU Peterborough to come and explore for themselves.”
Professor Ross Renton, Principal of ARU Peterborough
“The most rewarding part of being an architect is seeing your buildings being used and loved by so many people. The double-height Living Lab at ARU Peterborough was designed as a golden beacon for the campus – a space where students, as well as the community, can come together for lectures, events, and exhibitions.
“The Lab’s open and transparent nature reflects the commitment to creating a welcoming building that has a positive impact on both places and people. This Pineapples Award shortlisting is thanks to the shared vision of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Peterborough City Council, and ARU, and we're incredibly proud to be a part of it.”
Lien Geens, Associate Director of MCW architects
“This nomination is a fantastic recognition of the ambition behind ARU Peterborough and the impact it’s already having on our region.
“The Lab is more than just a building – it’s a gateway to opportunity, innovation, and community engagement. Investing in education and skills is vital for our region’s future, and seeing ARU Peterborough’s campus being nationally celebrated shows we’re on the right track.”
Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and PeterboroughThe golden pineapples will be announced and presented to the winning projects at a ceremony in April.
ARU Peterborough is a partnership between Anglia Ruskin University, Peterborough City Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.