Response from the local community to this year’s Design Awards was spectacular – with upwards of 50 nominations for over 20 distinct projects from Beeston and the surrounding areas.
An audience of civic society members, guests and representatives of nominated projects mingled together at Beeston’s Royal British Legion for the competition Awards Ceremony, which takes place every other year.
Greeting the audience Beeston Civic Secretary, Mervyn Brown, commented: “Beeston Civic Design Awards are a focal point for the community; they help to enhance a sense of belonging, developing visual awareness – Design Awards enhance our Pride in Place and put Beeston Civic front and centre in our community – demonstrating an appreciation of what we have around us.”
Presentation to the award winners was made by mayor of Broxtowe Borough, long term friend of Beeston Civic, Councillor Teresa Cullen. Judging had been carried out by an independent panel of highly regarded individuals, including practicing professionals and senior academics.
Councillor Cullen commented: “I was delighted to present certificates to the Design Awards winners, I think we should celebrate all of the entries for their inspiring work. It was a lovely evening overall including the very informative talks.”
Category Winners
Nominated for the Residential category an impressive two storey extension to a 1929 semi-detached on Bramcote Avenue – became a worthy winner. Judges commented: “Every detail appears thoughtfully considered, ensuring that the essence and character of the original architecture remained intact throughout the renovation process”. Elated owners of the upgraded property, Roger Fokerd & Mary Venning, enthused: “We love living in Beeston so we’re very pleased the time and effort spent by everyone involved in our project is seen to have made a positive contribution to this community.”
Additional winner was the Residential scheme on a brown-fields site of former railway sidings adjacent to Beeston station.
A new category; Energy Conservation featured a major scheme at the British Legion and a comprehensive domestic property retrofit scheme – which won the category. Measures taken to reduce the total energy usage are exceptional and could be a model for retrofit for similar houses – they are documented and available as a community resource: https://elm-ave-beeston.weebly.com/
The Commercial Building category was less hotly contested, of two retail outlets nominated on Chilwell Road, Ford & Guy, and Yellow Wood Cafe. The café was adjudicated winner.
Outright winner
Highly contested our final category encompassed Landscape, Biodiversity and Visual improvement. The category winner was recognised for: “Educating our young people – the next generation of decision makers – is fundamental if we are to address issue of climate emergency. The outdoor learning area allows school children to explore first hand, issues that are affecting nature and biodiversity”. John Clifford School Outdoor Learning Centre was chosen as the Competition over Overall winner.
Photo: (L-R): Mervyn Brown, Beeston Civic, Broxtowe Mayor Cllr. Teresa Cullen and Sally Mitchell, John Clifford School – Photo Credit Sarah Matthews.
For more information, please go to:beestoncivicsociety.org.uk where full details can be found.
Written by Mervyn Brown