Cheltenham Civic Awards shortlist unveiled
Pubs, parks and performance halls are battling it out to be crowned pinnacles of architectural prowess.
The candidates for the Cheltenham Civic Awards 2009 have been revealed.
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parabola
Among the candidates is the new pub the Bank House in Clarence, Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham General’s new Oncology Unit, the Ladies’ College’s £12.5 million Parabola Arts Centre, Edward Jenner Gardens, and Springbank Park – with its UFO shelter.
Stephen Clarke, chair of Cheltenham Civic Society said nominations for the awards were slightly up on last year.
He said: “We have been trying to encourage people to do their bit. It doesn’t have to be a big thing – even small things can make some significant improvement to the town.”
He added judges were looking for designs which resulted in “real benefits” for the community.
The annual competition this year attracted 26 entries across its four categories – the restoration of or an improvement to a building or structure, a new building or structure, an improvement to the built or landscape environment and a new or restored shop front.
In 2008, £50,000 was spent on revamping the “youth hang out” area in Springbank Park, which included a UFO-style shelter. This was part of an overall park facelift costing about £800,000.
Rosemary Mansbridge, project management officer at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted to be nominated for this award. It’s great the public have recognised all the work that has been put into making Springfield Park a pleasant place for the community to come together.
“We’ve worked closely with partners to transform the area into an exciting and innovative park for all ages to enjoy.”
Speaking about the restoration of Cobalt House, in Thirlestaine Road, charity chief executive Peter Sharpe said: “We are delighted that Cobalt House has been shortlisted for these prestigious civic awards.
“This Grade II listed Victorian villa has been painstakingly restored to its former glory and sympathetically extended to provide a functional yet unique environment for patients.”
Nomination for the awards came from members of the public, designers, contractors or owners, and there were no limits on the number of buildings which can be put forward.
An independent adjudication panel then tours the sites and discusses their merits.
Judging took place yesterday, and the winners are expected to be announced in early March.
Cheltenham Civic Awards Shortist 2009
Category One: The Restoration of or an improvement to a building or structure 1. 93 Montpellier Terrace for restoration
. Cheltenham Lido for restoration
. Cobalt House in Thirlestaine Road for restoration and extension.
. 5 The Avenue for extension and restoration.
. Strozzi Palace for conversion to apartment hotel.
. 43 Portland Street conversion to apartment hotel.
. Chalfont House, The Park for extension.
. Leckhampton Court Hospice for improve entrance.
. 96 Winchcombe Street for restoration.
Category Two: a new building or Structure
. Parabola Arts centre for addition of performance hall to a Cheltenham villa.
. Blacksmiths Lane, Prestbury new build to contemporary design.
. Oncology Unit at Hospital, new facility on hospital campus.
. Pair of houses in Andover Walk built in mews style.
. Smalley, Kidnappers Lane, a new dormer style bungalow.
. 26 Rodney Road, ingenious use of space.
. 357 High Street, new apartment block in Lower High Street.
. 170-172 Cirencester Road, terrace of new houses.
. 16-18 Bafford Lane, two new houses in contemporary style.
. 55-61 Bafford Lane, four new contemporary houses.
Category Three: An improvement to the built or landscape environment
. Jenner Gardens for renewal and restoration.
. The Pillars in Berkeley Place Gardens restored.
. 9 Grafton Road – new railings and gates.
. Springbank Park and Shelter in contemporary style.
. Springbank Community Garden for new community feature.
. Railings along front of Ellingham House Pittville Lawn.
Category Four: A new or restored shop front
. The Bank, Clarence Street for building converted into a new town centre bar.
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by graham lally, Phuket Thailand
Thursday, February 25 2010, 12:58AM
“These awards should be given for projects that not only improve the buildings but benefit the neighbourhood. Five years ago the area around Clarence Street and St Georges Place was seedy and rundown but the improvement of the the Strozzi Palace on the corner next to Library has made big improvement on the environment..”
by John Doherty, Gloucester
Thursday, February 18 2010, 6:03PM
“This is good and encourages a high degree of self-esteem for the general population. But for me The ¿Municipal Buildings¿ will always have my maximum approval rating. Put in simple language that say¿s ¿Cheltenham Spa Gateway to the Cotswolds¿”
by Andy, Cheltenham
Thursday, February 18 2010, 5:22PM
“The Cheltenham Civic Awards are great as they encourage a sense of pride in Cheltenham. However I am confused by the complete farce that resulted in the sculpture being erected on the Millbrook Roundabout near Waitrose in Cheltenham. Perhaps we should have an alternative award to show those developments that we cant stand! Perhaps the Civic Disgust Awards - which would name and shame those responsible!”
by Mike Redman, Assistant Director Built Environment, CBC
Thursday, February 18 2010, 4:00PM
“There are some absolutely fantastic schemes shortlisted in the Civic Society Awards this year, each one adding to the rich architectural heritage of the town.
The scheme, which is invaluable in promoting good design, relies on the significant contribution of local society members who willingly give their time voluntarily.
I would take this opportunity to publicly thank them for the work they do in promoting Cheltenham and would urge other residents to consider getting involved in a scheme which benefits all those who live here, or who work in or visit the town.”
by Mary S, Chelts
Thursday, February 18 2010, 3:48PM
“Clare, home - yeah, the flats that are still over half empty & totally out of keeping with the area since the last thing needed is more cars on already overcrowded residential roads. Nice one Civic society!
What's the betting the developers like to nominate themselves for a pat on the back.”