Haworth Tompkins’ Everyman Theatre has beaten the likes of the London Aquatic Centre and the Shard to be crowned this year's RIBA Stirling Prize winner.

The London-based practice had to fight off stiff competition from other illustrious firms and their projects including Zaha Hadid’s aforementioned Aquatic Centre and Renzo Piano’s Shard, as well as Mecanoo’s Library of Birmingham, O’Donnell + Tuomey's Saw Swee Hock and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios' Manchester School of Art.

More than 4,500 people came to visit the theatre on it’s first day alone, with more than 30,000 visiting since the Everyman opened in March this year.

Situated in Liverpool, the Everyman was built to replace its 19th century predecessor, formerly an icon for the city. The most eye-catching element of the structure is the main facade, which consists of a large scale piece of public art, with 105 metal sheets showing images of contemporary Liverpool residents.

Speaking at the Stirling Awards last night, RIBA president Stephen Hodder said: "The success of this exceptional new building lies in the architect’s close involvement with the local community throughout the project." This is reflected, not only in the community centred facade, but also through the building's primary use of serving the wider public.

With a total spend of around £28m (US$44.9m, €35.1m) on the project and following a decade of planning and construction, it appears that the Stirling Prize winner Everyman Theatre has been given a deserved standing ovation.

Six in contention for RIBA Stirling Prize