Success by design

These awards, organised annually by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, since 1994,  aim to recognise and encourage excellence in local development.

Five awards were available:

• new development
• conservation
• sustainable development
• small projects
• public space

The judging panel was chaired by Executive Councillor for Planning, Councillor Jonathan Garston, and included representatives from the RIBA, RPTI, RICS and a local Conservation Society.

They awarded an unprecedented seven prizes due to the impressive quality of  this year's entries. These are:

New Build Award and Outright Winner: 

Futures College, Southchurch Boulevard, Southend - new college building  

Architects: Fraser, Brown MacKenna

Panel Comment:

·         "The new college building is of exceptional design quality and every aspect of the building from the overall vision to the smallest detail has been carefully considered and fully integrated into the design. The sustainability and public safety aspects of the design were particularly noted and that the building has clearly had a positive effect on the pupils which of course was its primary aim."  

Conservation & Sustainability Award: 

Prittlewell Chapel, North Road Cemetery - Building renovation  

Architects: Urbanology  

Panel Comment:

·         "The renovation of the chapel building was of particularly high quality and has brought a new lease of life to this important historic landmark. The panel were particularly impressed with the way that the sustainability features and input from local school children had been sensitively integrated into the scheme."  

New Build Commendation: 

University Square Student Accommodation, London Road, Southend - new building  

Architects: Stephen Marshall Architects  

Panel Comment:

·         "University Square Student Accommodation Block is a unique building that has become a new landmark for the town centre. The internal courtyard environment is very successful and gives this part of the building a completely different feel to the external areas which, it is hoped, would be enlivened by activity in retail units in due course."  

New Build Commendation: 

131 Marine Parade, Leigh - new house  

Architects: Knight Gatrix Architects

Panel Comment:

·         "This is an interesting and bold modern scheme that includes some high quality detailing. The panel particularly liked the integration between the house and the rear garden."    

Public Space Commendation: 

City Beach, Southend - public realm scheme  

Designers: Gromtmij (formerly Whitelaw Turkington)  

Panel Comment:

·         "The City Beach Public Realm Scheme has transformed the central seafront area and has succeeded in further improving the link from the High Street. The panel are of the opinion that this scheme is likely to have a positive social and economic impact on this area and that it will make a significant contribution to Southend's tourist offer." 

Conservation Commendation: 

Clements Arcade, Broadway, Leigh - Building extension and renovation 

Designers: Welton Bremner Partnership 

Panel Comment:

·         "The extension of Clements Arcade is well executed and has created an attractive shopping environment. The Panel were particularly impressed with the quality of the stonework and how closely it matched the original detailing."  

Small Projects Commendation: 

14 Victoria Road, Leigh - Reinstatement of Bay Window

Designers: BDA

Panel Comment:

·         "The reconstruction of the bay window at 14 Victoria Road has had a positive impact on the character of the existing building and the wider conservation area.'"

Victoria Gateway

Southend Swimming and Diving Centre

Southend Hospital Education Centre

Chase High School Sixth Form Building

1 Marine Parade, Leigh

Quarterdeck Development, Leigh Hill, Leigh

24 Chalkwell Park Drive  

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Planning, Councillor Jonathan Garston said: "This competition is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the architectural ideas and innovations across the town.  

"This year the panel has chosen some extremely varied and distinguished winners. These buildings and projects are a credit to Southend and help us to develop our current and future heritage."