Civic Voice announces winners of the 2017 Special Award for a Development in a Conservation Area
To mark the 50th anniversary of the Civic Amenities Act 1967 and to recognise and highlight outstanding development within a Conservation Area, Civic Voice - the national charity for the civic movement – have awarded 3 Special awards to projects from across England for enhancing a conservation area.
Sunbridge Wells, Bradford; Cedars Hall, Wells and Warwick Hall Community Centre, Burford each won a Special Award for making an outstanding contribution to a conservation area.
DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE FOR 2017 HERE
Max Farrell, Chair of the Civic Voice Design Awards said “Today there are approximately 10,000 Conservation Areas across the UK. Conservation Areas are as much a part of the fabric of this country as the Green Belt is in shaping our cities, towns and villages. I hope, through the Civic Voice Design Awards, we can build upon the first 50 years and continue to celebrate the impact that Conservation Areas have on communities across England, so that we can all continue to say, “We care about where we live. Along with my fellow judges, we are giving consideration to a dedicated award focused on improving the management and standard of conservation areas”.
The special awards were made during the annual Civic Voice Design Awards when communities have opportunity to nominate and recognise new buildings, restoration and public realm projects in their local area. The special awards for Conservation Area was introduced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Civic Amenities Act.
Laura Sandys, Vice-President of Civic Voice finished by saying “Along with my mother, I was delighted to be invited to present these awards. I am delighted that as part of the 50th anniversary of the Civic Amenities Act that Sunbridge Wells, Bradford; Cedars Hall, Wells and Warwick Hall Community Centre, Burford have all won a Special Award. When my father introduced this Act in 1967 he wanted to demonstrate what can be done when we realise the historic environment is an asset not a barrier for our urban areas. I look forward to visiting each scheme in the very near future, on a Civic Voice Design Award study tour.”
NOTES
The event was attended by representatives from the Sandys family, Historic England, British Land and community groups from across England.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON EACH SCHEME
CEDARS HALL, WELLS
Eric Parry Architects
Cedars Hall is a bold and modern new building that visually enhances the 'picture postcard' Wells Conservation Area. Rather than follow traditional architectural form, Cedars Hall looks ahead in its design, materials and concept. It poses a striking image alongside the Cathedral and the main school building, but crucially, does not overshadow or detract from either. Described by Wells Civic Society as a '21st century contribution to the nationally important heritage of Wells'.
WARWICK HALL COMMUNITY CENTRE, BURFORD
Acanthus Clews Architects
A very sensitively designed scheme on a complex site, located within Burford Conservation Area and adjacent a complex of listed buildings, the refurbishment of and extension to Warwick Hall has secured the long-term future of an important building in a beautiful historic setting. The Bishop of Dorchester has described it as "the communities' 'gift' to Burford", and it demonstrates what a community can achieve when it works together. Warwick Hall is an inspiring example of design sensitively within a Conservation Area.
SUNBRIDGE WELLS, BRADFORD
Developer: Graham Hall, Sunbridge Wells
Sunbridge Wells is located within Bradford City Centre Conservation Area and is within one of the most economically challenged areas of the country. Led by a private developer Sunbridge Wells links to the past yet at the same time is helping Bradford look to the future by acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration of the city centre. This conservation project is a testament to the pride and passion of the project's leader, a fantastic addition to Bradford City Centre Conservation Area.
Notes for Editors
If you would like to learn more about the Civic Voice Design Awards please click here.
About Civic Voice
Civic Voice is the national charity for the civic movement in England. Our mission is to develop a society where everyone can say “I care about where I live”. We promote civic pride through our network of over 75,000 individual members.