Winner of Best in Region and Best Project: Reawakening the Maison Dieu submitted by Dover District Council

The project has revitalised the historic Maison Dieu through a comprehensive programme of conservation, restoration and sensitive adaptation. Working closely with local residents and Dover's diverse communities, the project has both safeguarded this nationally significant building and reimagined it as an accessible and welcoming destination. The renewed Maison Dieu now provides a dynamic focal point for cultural activity, learning and public engagement, strengthening community pride and restoring the building as a world-class venue. This transformation has laid the foundations for a vibrant, resilient and sustainable future for this important and much-loved landmark.

The project clearly demonstrated the importance of enhancing a place of significant historical and cultural value for the benefit of the community and future generations. The Maison Dieu is a cherished local landmark, and an innovative planning approach was required to unlock its full potential.

The judges were particularly impressed by the project's extensive public consultation and engagement, which went above and beyond expectations. A further significant achievement was the recreation of Burges's fantastical Neo-Gothic decorative paint scheme, hidden beneath layers of overpainting for more than 40 years. The conservation of surviving historic paintwork, alongside the faithful restoration of the original scheme following meticulous investigation and research, has been a major contributor to the project's success.

The judges praised the project's exceptional balance of heritage conservation, community engagement and innovative planning. This remarkable scheme successfully restores and preserves a building of national significance while ensuring its continued relevance and accessibility for future generations. A fascinating and inspiring project, Reawakening the Maison Dieu demonstrates how thoughtful planning and restoration can breathe new life into a treasured historic asset and secure its future at the heart of the community.