The businesses and brains behind what are considered to be 10 of the most worthy building developments in Cheltenham have been named.

Every two years Cheltenham Civic Awards take place, made possible by the borough council in association with town'c civic society.

The purpose - "for the encouragement of standards of excellence in the restoration of historic buildings and other works in the field of improvement to Cheltenham's built environment".

Mayor of Cheltenham, Cllr Bernard Fisher, presented the awards and the ceremony was followed by a talk, 'Igniting the Urban Regeneration Fuse' by former Bristol Mayor, former RIBA president and architect George Ferguson CBE PPRIBA RWA.

Not only the buildings, but their owners plus the architects and contractors celebrated, all chosen by a panel of esteemed of judges who unveiled their choices at the awards night at the Chapel Arts building on Knapp Road.

Bruce Buchanan, the awards conveyor for the civic society, said:

"The awards are made usually every two years for: a new building to structure; restoration of an existing building or structure; an environmental improvement; a green building; and a new or restored shopfront.

"I think the awards are important because they encourage good design and improvements to the built environment. They also enable the public to see examples of good design and where buildings are restored and put to new use."

This year there were 33 submissions, of which 10 were given an award or commendation.

Winners of the Cheltenham Civic Awards 2019 (See below for more information and pictures)

Category one: A New Building or Structure Award

1. Tilley Mews, Swindon Road

2. 51 The Park

3. One Bayshill Road

Commendation

4. 5 Short Street

5. Star Lodge Extension, Montpellier Drive

6. John Lewis & Partners, High Street

Category Two: The Restoration of a Building or Structure Award

7. Formal House, St. George's Place

8. Axiom Apartments, Winchcombe Street

Commendation

9. The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie, Montpellier Walk

Category Three: An Improvement to the Built or Landscape Environment

Commendation

10. Pocket Parks, Lower High Street

(There were no awards for Category Four: A New or Restored Shop Front, or Category Five: 'Green Building')

"The Awards are not competitive but we had a couple of outstanding examples this year, e.g. the Restoration of Formal House from a furniture store/billiards club to serviced offices," said Mr Buchanan.

"We liked the attention to detail and that the architects had retained many of the existing features of the original building, such as: the glazed brickwork and the heavy security doors and also a pool table.

"A minimalist glazed extension was also included in the design which provides an interesting contrast to the existing building.

"Another project of note was the small housing scheme at Tilley Mews off the Swindon Road. This was a difficult site to develop but the architects provided a terrace of four houses with privacy and great attention detail in the use of contrasting brickwork.

"Much of the new housing built in Cheltenham is a of very poor standard and has no sense of place or context. The little scheme at Tilley Mews is a good example of how housing should be developed.

"We also like the redevelopment of the Kraft offices at No1 Bays Hill Road.

"The uncompromisingly modern addition, between two Regency villas, provided an elegant foil to the traditional buildings. We liked especially the way in which the architects had treated the interface between old and new buildings."

Tilley Mews, Swindon Road. 

Award 

Developer: Paul New

Architect: Edge Design Workshop Ltd, Cheltenham

Planning consultant: Evans Jones Ltd, Cheltenham 

Main Contractor: New & Tilley Ltd.

Jason Pritchard, managing director of EdgeDesignWorkshop, said: "I am delighted to see this scheme recognised with a civic award. The design solution encompasses the best modern architecture whilst respecting the traditional forms which surround the site. It ensured that we were able to meet the development density the client seeks, but also give each dwelling a sense of quality."

David Jones, head of planning at Evans Jones, said: "The scheme required a carefully considered planning strategy to ensure that the scheme responded positively to the diverse built form surrounding the site. The end result is a high quality, contemporary housing scheme which enhances the character of the locality. It is fantastic to see the development recognised by this award."

Comment: This is an attractive modern housing development, in brick, on a difficult cramped site with excellent attention to detailing. Sometimes awkward sites can produce imaginative schemes. This is a distinctive design in an area of dull and mediocre housing, though we gave an Award to another housing scheme in this area two years ago.

51 The Park

Award 

Owner: Mr and Mrs Hardstaff

Architect: Stanley Partnership

Main Contractor: Leckhampton Builders Ltd.

Comment: An unpromising 1970s bungalow has been transformed, and extended, into modern family home with a spacious, light-filled interior. A great deal of thought and attention to detail has been given to make the house suitable for wheel-chair access without compromising its use for others. There is a granny unit, over a remodelled double garage with a glazed link to the main house. A new sitting room has been added with vaulted ceiling terminating in a light well.

Category One: A New Building or Structure

One Bayshill Road

Awards

Developer: Pegasus Life

Architect: Glenn Howells Architects

Contruction managers: Blue Sky Building (BSB)

Comment: The 1960s former Kraft building located between two Regency villas has been demolished and replaced by an uncompromisingly modern infill and extension. The juxtapostion of old and new works well, with careful detailing where the two interface. The development is for luxury over 60's housing with spacious apartments, gym, restaurant and common sitting rooms.

Category One: A New Building or Structure

5 Short Street

Commendation

Client: Ms Jane Bailey

Architect: AC Design (UK) Ltd.

Contractor: Dove Construction Ltd.

Comment: Garage converted to mews cottage to make the most of the small cramped site to form a spacious and practical interior.

Category One: New Building or Structure

Star Lodge Extension, Montpellier Drive

Commendation

Owner: Mr John Eaden

Architect: Stanley Partnership

Contractor: Dove Construction

Comment: An elegant minimilist extension to an exisitng Regency house, which sits well on the site. Careful attention with crisp detailing. There were some reservations regarding the floor to ceiling glazing.

Category One: A New Building or Structure

John Lewis & Partners, High Street

Commendation

Developer: John Lewis & Partners

Interior Design: John Lewis Design Team

Contractor: In-house

Comment: The new department store replaces the rather tired looking post-modern Beechwood Arcade. It is a major addition to Cheltenham's retailing sector. The interior is light and spacious and a pleasant place to wander around. The different levels are easy to negotiate. It was considered that the exterior façade, though distinctive, was less successful.

Category Two: Restoration of a Building or Structure

Formal House, St George's Place

Award

Developer: Formal Investments

Architect: Roberts Limbrick

Architect: Yiangou Architects

Contractor: Barnwood General Works & AGM Services

Comment: Former storage/warehouse building meticulously converted to serviced offices. Providing spacious attractive working environments. Many features of the original building have been retained providing a link with its history. A minimalist modern addition provides a striking contrast to the existing building.

Category Two: Restoration of a Building or Structure

Axiom Apartments, Winchcombe Street

Award

Developer: Cape Homes Ltd

Architect: Clive Petch Architects

Contractor: Mark Holland Group Ltd

Comment: The former Axiom cultural centre has been converted to apartments. Much of the original character and features of the existing building have been retained. A landscaped courtyard provides an attractive setting for the building. The detailing reflects the robust character of the building.

Category Two: Restoration of a Building or Structure

The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie, Montpellier Walk

Commendation

Developer: Ivy Restaurants

Comment: The former Lloyds Bank has been converted into a spacious restaurant. The restoration enables the full spatial grandeur of the interior to be appreciated. Subtle colouring of details enhances their appearance, such as the coffered ceiling. The location of the central bar detracts from the full appreciation of this remarkable space, modelled on the Pantheon in Rome.

Category Three: An Improvement to the Built or Landscape

Environment

Pocket Parks, Lower High Street

Client: Cheltenham West End Partnership

Designer/build: Men in Sheds

Planting: Green Space Volunteers

Other input: Cheltenham Borough Council Townscape Team

Comment: This was a community-lead effort to enhance the local environment in an effective and economical way with the creation of two 'pocket' parks. Local volunteers undertake planting and maintenance of boxes. Provision has been made for insects. Paving and trees provided by the County Council.

Adjudication Panel - the awards were judged by the following ...

Bruce Buchanan, architect, convenor for civic awards, Cheltenham Civic Society, Peter Sayers Next 200 Years Group, Tim McGrath Contractor and develope, Gloria Jones Friends of Pittville, Andrew Booton Chair, Cheltenham Civic Society, Adrian Barlow Architectural historian, Ruth Nichols Conservation architect, Cllr Garth Barnes Chair, CBC Planning CommitteeKevan Blackadder Cheltenham Business Improvement District, Tess Beck Community organiser, Andrew Kitching Building surveyor, Rob Rimell Architect, Cheltenham Civic Society, Michelle Beint Landscape architect