News release: 14 October 2011
Commendation - Open Door, Bricket Road, St Albans
The St Albans Civic Society held its annual awards evening at the Abbey Theatre on October 11th, 2011. Each of the projects considered was completed in 2010. Projects reviewed included interesting developments which contributed to the life of the city.
The awards were presented by the Mayor of St Albans City and District Cllr Aislinn Lee, who said: “I hope that the Civic Society and the District Council can work together more closely in the future. I recognise that it isn’t just councillors who care passionately about the district, but others such as the Civic Society, who care equally and have earned a place at the discussion table.”
After much debate three projects were commended. Two of these, Open Door and Clarence Park Mews, received certificates. The third project, St Paul’s Church in Blandford Road, was awarded the Society’s plaque. These were presented by the Mayor of St Albans City and District, Councillor Aislinn Lee.
Details of the shortlisted projects, and the award winner, are given below.
Commendation - Open Door, Bricket Road, St Albans
Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association and The Open Door Trust
Architect: Synergy LLP
Builder: Jarvis Contracting Ltd
Open Door is a hostel and service for homeless people, in Bricket Road. It is managed by the Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association. The building has had a major refurbishment to provide 12 single rooms, each with its own shower room. There are also communal rooms, a large kitchen and offices. The building has been very carefully designed to meet the needs of clients, and is clearly a welcoming, domestic, building. The service provides education, counselling, support and guidance to help users back into work and longer term housing. It is meeting both short and longer term needs. Externally the building is very modest, which is its great strength. It takes a quiet but appropriate place on its street. We congratulate Open Door on its carefully planned refurbished accommodation and on the service it provides.
Commendation - Clarence Park Mews, Clarence Road, St Albans
Commendation - Clarence Park Mews, Clarence Road, St Albans
Developer: Townstone Ltd
Contractor: Loop Construction Services Ltd
Architectural Designer: Nett Assets
Clarence Park Mews is a small, secluded, private development of five houses in Clarence Road, opposite the entrance to Clarence Park. Townstone Ltd, a St Albans-based company are the developers. The houses, built around a courtyard, are part new-build and part conversion of existing stables which were originally part of St Peter’s farm. The houses are all beautifully designed and finished, while the courtyard’s origins as farm buildings is very evident. Old and new buildings been integrated with care and respect. Clarence Park Mews is a very elegant small development and we congratulate Townstone on their achievement.
Awarded the Civic Society’s plaque - St Paul’s Church, Blandford Road, St Albans
Awarded the Civic Society’s plaque - St Paul’s Church, Blandford Road, St Albans
Architects: MEB Design Ltd
Contractor: Farnrise Construction Ltd
Quantity Surveyor: Synergy LLP
The St Paul’s church community established a ‘vision group’ to develop plans for the refurbishment of their church and church halls in 1998. They raised all the funding required themselves, and started building in 2009. The church, built in 1910, has been beautifully restored, and the altar moved from the north to the south end of the original building. This has allowed it to be fully integrated via elegant glass doors with the new community areas: a very welcoming reception space, meeting rooms, offices, kitchens and two large halls. The finished project has created a very attractive church surrounded by a comprehensive community resource. The St Paul’s church congregation is to be congratulated on their achievements.
The St Paul’s Church team with the Mayor. Centre: the Mayor of St Albans, Councillor Aislinn Lee. Front right: Canon Tony Hurle. Far left: Professor Geraint John, President of the St Albans Civic Society.
This year’s awards group were: Janet Ouston, Margaret Grover and Michael Dunckley
Civic Society Contact:
Janet Ouston
E-mail: janet.ouston@btinternet.com
Tel: 01727 846220
Cllr Aislinn Lee, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of St Albans City & District.
Contact for the Mayor’s office:
Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer
Tel: 01727 819544 E-mail: mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the press:
Davina Mansell, Information and Communication Officer
Tel: 01727 819316. E-mail: davina.mansell@stalbans.gov.uk
St Albans City and District Council
www.stalbans.gov.uk
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/StAlbansCouncil
Notes:
For further information about St Albans Civic Society visit their website: http://www.stalbanscivicsociety.net/.