Projects which make Burton a better place in which to live and work have been hailed in an annual awards ceremony organised by a town group.
A refurbished Victorian school, ultra-modern church hall and the Meadowside Leisure Centre were among the winners in Burton Civic Society’s design awards.
Mail reporter TIM FLETCHER spoke to the organisers and some of those whose schemes met with the judges’ approval.
‘NOT a vintage year’ — that’s the verdict of Burton Civic Society chairman Richard Stone on this year’s annual design awards.
Mr Stone praised the successful schemes but said there had been no project deserving of the coveted blue plaque, which is only handed out to truly exceptional developments.
He told the Mail: “All of the projects which won are very worthy winners but we felt there was nothing really outstanding. It wasn’t a vintage year.
“It’s disappointing when we don’t hand out a blue plaque but it does show how credit-worthy it is, that something has to be really exceptional to get the plaque.”
Among the winners this year was Horninglow Primary School, which underwent a major refurbishment of its Victorian interior, including the creation of a new mezzanine floor, while a brand new extension comprising a new hall and multi-use games area was built.
The school, in Horninglow Road North, was highly commended in the refurbished building category and commended in the new buildings category, to the delight of head teacher Paula Evans.
She said: “We are really pleased and proud of our building. It was a typical old Victorian school which was in need of updating but now it’s a modern, 21st century school which is fit for purpose.
“It doesn’t look Victorian anymore although we’ve kept some of the old features and characteristics. The children think it’s wonderful.” Also highly commended was the refurbishment of the Meadowside Leisure Centre, described by architect Chris Twomey, who prepared the report on which the building awards were based, as ‘a thoughtful and very effective refurbishment, turning a liability into an asset’.
Mark Rizk, project manager for East Staffordshire Borough Council, said the revamp had led to membership rocketing from 150 to more than 1,000. He said: “It’s a much more open and airy and welcoming place now. Whereas before the entrance was a bit dark and dingy, now there’s a huge expanse of light and openness. I’m very pleased and proud that the scheme has been recognised.”
Other winners included the Chestnuts Farm housing development in Horninglow Road North, commended in the new buildings category for its ‘strong sense’ of the history of the site.
Meanwhile, The Corner, a striking new building used by community groups, built for and funded by members of Elim Pentecostal Church, in Moor Street, was highly commended.
Pastor Rob Styles told the Mail: “Our architects didn’t want just another church hall looking like a brick box and decided with a bit of effort and a bit more money they could create a really nice building and make a real difference to the look of the area.”
The civic society awards don’t just recognise building schemes but also environmental projects, with a new National Lottery-funded community orchard at Paget High School, in Branston, being highly commended.
School governor Michael Badcock prepared the lottery bid for the scheme, which saw more than 400 trees planted on 3.5 acres of derelict land.
He said: “The trees were planted by children from across Burton so they feel they own the orchard. We hope in years to come they’ll come back with their own families and show them the trees they planted.” Burton Conservation Volunteers (BCV) was commended for its hedgelaying scheme in Watson Street and also received the Olga Lloyd Award for its efforts in improving the environment.
Mr Stone said: “The award to BCV is in recognition not just of the work they’ve done over the years but also the way in which they get the community involved so that they feel part of things.” There were some surprises in this year’s awards.
Landmark Point, the new housing development which towers over the junction of Uxbridge Street and Evershed Way, was shortlisted but failed to gain an award, as did Charrington House, the Trent and Dove housing scheme in Horninglow Street, which has proved a popular addition to the street scene with its mirrored glass exterior reflecting the court house opposite.
Mr Stone said: “It was a disappointment to me personally that Charrington House didn’t get an award but we’re very lucky to have someone with the experience and knowledge of Chris Twomey and decided to go along with the recommendations of the independent expert.”
The awards ceremony took place at Burton and South Derbyshire College last night.
