Bristol Royal Infirmary facade design winner announced

The design involves re-cladding the building and creating a small open garden

The winning design to transform the "ugly" facade of the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) has been revealed.

'Veil' by Madrid-based Nieto Sobejano was selected from a shortlist of three by the NHS Foundation Trust.

The design involves a new cladding and the creation of a small open garden as part of an £80m programme of work, due to be completed in 2014.

Robert Woolley, from the trust, said the next step was to "ensure we have the funds to realise the design".

University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust decided to overhaul the building's frontage after discovering structural work was necessary to make it safe in the long-term.

It launched a competition at the end of last year. Six international artists and architects put forward designs to improve the appearance of the BRI, which were shortlisted to three in March.

'Non-threatening'

The BRI Queen's Building on Upper Maudlin Street was once voted one of the ugliest in Bristol

"After careful consideration of all three proposals we believe that Nieto Sobejano's design is the one that most strongly meets the original aims," said Mr Woolley, chief executive of the hospital trust.

"The commission was namely to create a landmark building for Bristol that is non-threatening and welcoming, enhances the streetscape and public realm, and reflects, through excellence in design, our reputation for clinical excellence."

The proposed redesign forms part of a wider programme of work that includes a new ward block, helipad and welcome centre.

The BRI Queen's Building on Upper Maudlin Street was once voted one of the ugliest in Bristol.