Best Project - Winner
Hall for Cornwall (Truro) entered by Burrell Foley Fischer and Cornwall Council
The refurbishment and remodelling of the Grade II* Listed Hall For Cornwall has increased its audience capacity, conserved and restored its important heritage elements and brought them into better use. The new, three-tiered theatre space has provided a new dynamic relationship between performer and audience and enabled the organisation to deliver their artistic vision. Improved access to Arts and Culture for the community of Cornwall will result, together with the facilities required to support a sustainable business model for the organisation.
Judges' comment:
In selecting this entry as winner of the Best Project in the South-West, the judges were impressed with the planning considerations in delivering an impressive Theatre Design which is outstanding and focused on an inclusive user experience.
Given that the Theatre could have been repurposed as a Supermarket in the 1990’s, the Panel considered there is much to commend this project as an exemplar of reusing and restoring buildings to meet current requirements. It’s history shines through with innovative storytelling - via QR codes - and careful stonework which celebrates the many previous uses.
As an example of a mixed-use, culturally led development in the heart of a compact urban environment involving two Grade II * listed buildings, the scheme is seen as a highly successful outcome at a time where City Centres can struggle to maintain their position".
Best Project - Shortlisted
Les Quennevais (LEY CAN-O-VEY) Skatepark, Jersey entered by WSP UK Ltd and the Government of Jersey
The Les Quennevais Skatepark is a result of Government of Jersey’s ‘New Skatepark’ project. The skatepark was conceived and developed with health and wellbeing at its core. It will provide a safe environment for the community to socialise and be physically active whilst increasing diversity of leisure, recreation and activity opportunities on the Island. The project aims to challenge the stigma surrounding urban sports and educate on the overall societal benefits.
Gravity Green Bridge (Bridgwater) entered by Stantec
The Gravity Green Bridge is a positive addition to the natural environment. It provides a safe route that is accessible to all, was constructed using materials that were recycled and repurposed and has been designed to be compatible with the rural character of this countryside location. It is a structure that assimilates within its surroundings by virtue of the proposed significant landscaping and the design of its span which seeks to give the impression of the countryside rolling over the bridge rather than a more starker and utilitarian design. It is an asset for humans and wildlife alike.
Water Lane Smart Grid and Storage Project, Exeter entered by Exeter City Council
The Water Lane Smart Grid and Storage Project is the first of its kind in the region and delivers on Exeter City Council’s Net Zero Carbon ambition. The solar array features over 3,700 solar panels and is built on an inactive former landfill site. The site now creates 1.2MW of clean, renewable energy, which, by virtue of a physical connection to the nearby Depot site is being used to power the Council’s fleet of electric refuse vehicles with green energy. The project is estimated to save the City £256,000 per annum, plus a carbon saving estimated to be 580 tonnes per annum, a 72% overall reduction when taking into account the wider energy grid.