Seeking year’s best buildings
Heritage group Halifax Civic Trust is calling on local people: Tell us your favourite new building scheme – and it could win an award.
The trust is on the lookout for the best new or restored buildings and other environmental improvements and will hand out awards for the best of them in May.
Halifax Civic Trust Awards have been made since 1992 to encourage high-quality design and craftsmanship in schemes in Halifax and the surrounding countryside.
Awards have been given for a wide range of projects, from restored mills, shops, warehouses and houses to a new garage showroom, schools, medical centres, new housing, the refurbishment of banks and pubs and the creation of a moorland garden.
Major schemes such as the former Halifax Building Society’s headquarters, the conversion of the old Royal Halifax Infirmary to flats and the restoration of Shibden Park have also been award winners.
Last year’s main award went to Parkinson Lane Community Primary School , Halifax, which, despite being hemmed in by roads and housing, managed to almost double its internal floorspace by creating an entirely new floor within the upper parts of the existing building.
Two other schemes were commended, a walled garden at Mount Zion Methodist Church, Ogden, Halifax, and the stylish renovation of part of the art deco Three Pigeons public house in South Parade.
The main award each year is in the form of a green plaque. Other winners receive certificates. This year’s awards will be presented at the trust’s annual general meeting at Halifax Town Hall in May.
Awards are made for schemes within Halifax Civic Trust’s area, that is the former County Borough of Halifax, from Luddenden in the west to Southowram in the east. Awards are usually given for work substantially carried out during the previous year.
Anyone can nominate a scheme; just contact David Hanson on 01422 373038 or at david.hanson@jpress.co.uk The trust will then produce a shortlist of eligible entries and visit them before announcing the winners.