Chair's Award Theme
The Social Value of Development
The Chair's Award this year celebrates entries that demonstrated excellence in delivering social value: improving the well-being of communities and building social capital through development.
WINNER
Hopetown Darlington entered by Darlington Borough Council
At Hopetown Darlington the town’s story of engineering, ideas and invention have been brought to life via modern methods of interactive interpretation. The free to enter visitor attraction has regenerated a 7.5 acre site to create the most exciting new visitor attraction in the region. This has been a true partnership project with multiple disciplines and partners working together to secure funding and support for the £37 million attraction. Planners have worked with colleagues and partners to secure the future of several Listed Buildings on site including the II* Listed Goods Shed, previously on the ‘At Risk’ Register.
Credit Image: Darlington Brough Council
The judges said,
"A strong entry which responds well to each of the criteria and clearly demonstrates the important role of planners in the process and how extensive engagement across the community has helped shaped the project. Clear and tangible economic benefits".
