Mayor Len Horwood presented certificates to architects, visionaries, builders and committee members behind some of the most eye-catching projects finished this year.
Awards celebrated the work behind new builds, refurbishments to homes, restorations to objects and the preservation of historic scenery.
The ceremony inside Town Hall on Thursday [October 11] also saw The Spa Valley Railway presented with the Community Contribution Award.
But judges decided there were no suitable candidates for their Shop Front Award with the overall standard ‘not very high’.
Brian Lippard, Civic Society Chairman, said: “We are keen to ensure the economic wellbeing of the town.
“We hope that architects will play a good part in shaping the town, so it’s not just developers making a buck or two. Our town needs to see really good architecture.”
Around 200 people, mostly from community groups around town, attended the ceremony inside the council chamber.
The Civic Society was founded in 1959 and is the official amenity society for the town. It is an independent association, representing the interests of all those living or working in the town.
Working alongside Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, the society comments on planning applications. It also organises Heritage Open Days and helps publicise historical insights into the town.
Concern about town centre projects
A FUNCTION of the Civic Society is to work with the council as a ‘critical friend’ and scrutinise all planning applications.
Members are well-placed to have an opinion about major developments in the town, and have cast concerns about some of the multi-million pound projects.
David Wright, Chairman of the Civic Society Awards committee, used part of his presentation to share his views on the town’s future landscape.
He said: “We are concerned about the Calverley Square civic complex and theatre.
“We are also concerned about the future of the present Town Hall and worried about the impact on Calverley Grounds – a Grade 2 listed park. We have no opposition to having a new theatre in principal.
“We consider the cinema site to be too large and bulky. If we are not careful Tunbridge Wells will end up looking like Croydon.”
Recognition for late festival organiser
THE success of the CAMRA Real Ale and Cider Festival was noted as The Spa Valley Railway was given the Community Contribution Award.
Now in its eighth year, the festival will return next weekend [October 19-21] and is expected to attract thousands to events – held along the train line from Tunbridge Wells West to Eridge.
The festival is the single largest fundraising event to keep the heritage railway on track and was originally the idea of Iain Dalgleish, who sadly passed away last year.
His widow Carole Dalgleish is still actively involved and was present at the awards ceremony alongside West Kent CAMRA Chairman Craig Beeson.
Winners of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society Awards
|
Project |
About |
Reasons for award win |
Award recipients |
|
202 Forest Road, Tunbridge Wells |
Transformation of family home into striking design |
‘Remarkable example of drastic remodelling of a house not much more than a generation old’
|
Owners: Richard and Tara Gatt Designers: Richard and Tara Gatt Architect: Derek Briscoe, Acuity Building Contractors: Ash Building Contractors Ltd
|
|
The Pantiles “Phoenix” Crest Restoration |
Restored historic plaque in The Pantiles |
‘Highly skilled reconstruction. ‘Very high finish of paintwork and gilding.’
|
Owners: Targetfollow Restorers: Joseph McCarthy Ltd Installation Contractors: RDF Maintenance Ltd
|
|
57 High Street, Tunbridge Wells |
Renovation of one building |
‘Sympathetic restoration of the oldest property in the high street’
|
Owner: Jean Barling Architects: Jeremy Lodge, Kilo Architects Ltd Building Contractors: Neil Johnson, Design & Project Management Ltd, Chiddingstone Causeway
|
|
Dunorlan Park Chalybeate Spring |
Restoration of historic water feature |
‘Careful conservation of a piece of Tunbridge Wells History’ |
Owner: TWBC Project Initiator and Manager: Kasia Olszewska, TWBC Parks Technical Officer Building Surveyor: Grant Hazell, TWBC Building Contractors: Burslem Stonemasons, M.D. David Hall Supporters: Friends of Dunorlan Park, Peter Russell, Chair
|
|
Samara, Camden Park |
Stylish new-build home |
‘Bold design with modern lines but still an unassuming house’
|
Owners: Daniel & Suzanne Howard Designer/Architect: Neil Penfold, Penfold Architectural Building Contractor: Jamie Cue, Ace Carpentry & Building Ltd
|
|
Castle House, London Road |
Conversion of an old hotel |
‘Attention to detail, both inside and out’
|
Owners: Newcourt Residential & Construction Ltd, MD Mr Karl Elkhadraoui and Director Mr Anouar Elkhadraoui Architects: Lytle Associates Building Contractors: Newcourt Construction in Association With STP Steve Pepperal and Paul Jones, Directors
|
|
11 Calverley Park |
For the Reinstatement of the Exterior of a Grade II* Listed House
|
‘High standard of design with matching stonework and windows’
|
Owners: Richard and Louise Mercer Architect: Gordon DS Burles Building Contractor: David Ablitt and Son Stonemason: Southern Stone Ltd
|
|
The Studio, Cambridge Street |
Refurbished house |
‘No conflict with neighbouring properties’ |
Owners: Kate & David Azurdia Architects: Kate & David Azurdia and Elly Ward Architects Building Contractors: Liam Harbour (LDHC) Construction |
|
Waterdown House, 51 Frant Road |
Recital Room Extension
|
‘Imaginative, yet sympathetic extension’ |
Owners: Richard Burnett MBE and Katrina Burnett Architect/Designer: Laurence Peskett Building Contractors: Derek Lefroy, Delfroy Contractors |
