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- Six new buildings have been shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize 2026, marking the award's 30th anniversary year, with the winner revealed live at London's Old Billingsgate on 15 October.
- River Wing at Clare College, Cambridge, leads the betting at 2/1 (33.3% implied probability), with Pembroke, Mill Lane and Paddington Square both next best at 3/1 (25.0%).
- A judging panel chaired by RIBA President Chris Williamson will assess the shortlist across criteria including design vision, sustainability and how well each building engages and delights its users.
Six Buildings Shortlisted For Architecture's Biggest Night
Architecture's biggest night of the year is approaching fast, and with William Hill already pricing up the RIBA Stirling Prize 2026, there's plenty for bookmakers to work with ahead of the ceremony.
These six new buildings have been found outstanding by the judges in what marks the Stirling Prize's 30th anniversary year, spanning everything from a Cambridge college extension to a family home tucked into Epping Forest.
The winner will be announced live at London's Old Billingsgate on 15 October 2026, giving punters a few weeks to weigh up which of this year's shortlisted projects has the best chance of taking home architecture's most prestigious UK prize.
It's a milestone year for the award too, with organisers marking three decades of celebrating the very best of British and Irish architecture, so there's an extra layer of significance attached to whichever building ultimately lifts the trophy in October.
RIBA Stirling Prize 2026 Odds
Here's how the shortlist currently stands in the betting, with River Wing, Clare College, sitting as the favourite.
| Building | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| River Wing, Clare College | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Pembroke, Mill Lane, Cambridge | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| Paddington Square | 3/1 | 25.0% |
| A house at Fairmead, High Beach, Epping Forest | 4/1 | 20.0% |
| BEAM, Hertfordshire | 4/1 | 20.0% |
| Lion Green Road | 5/1 | 16.7% |
River Wing at Clare College carries an implied 33.3% chance of winning at 2/1, putting it clear of the rest of the shortlist heading into voting.
Pembroke's Mill Lane development and the major redevelopment at Paddington Square are tied at 3/1 (25.0% apiece), reflecting how competitive the top of this market currently looks.
Further down, the Fairmead house in Epping Forest and BEAM in Hertfordshire are matched at 4/1 (20.0%), a reminder that residential and smaller-scale projects remain very much in contention alongside the bigger institutional entries.
How The Judges Will Decide
This year's jury is chaired by RIBA President Chris Williamson, alongside Stephanie Macdonald OBE RA of 6a architects, Tracy Meller of RSHP, sustainability specialist Dr Julie Godefroy of CIBSE, Will Gompertz of Sir John Soane's Museum, and Catherine Winfield of Autodesk.
Buildings shortlisted for the Stirling Prize are assessed across a range of criteria, including design vision, innovation and originality, sustainability and accessibility, functionality and fitness for purpose, client satisfaction, and the ability to engage, stimulate and delight users and visitors.
Having a sustainability specialist and a product design expert alongside more traditional architectural voices on the panel also means this year's judging could lean in a slightly different direction than in previous years, particularly for any building making a strong case on environmental performance.
What the expert says...
Where To Bet On The Stirling Prize
William Hill have this year's shortlist fully priced up, and you can read more about what they offer through our William Hill review.
For a wider look at where these kinds of specials tend to be covered well, OLBG's guide to the best entertainment betting sites is worth a browse too.
