Trio of buildings have designs on big success

THREE local buildings were presented with the top awards at the Rochdale Borough Design Awards.

During a presentation at Rochdale Town Hall, The Strand Hub collected the overall prize, while there were also awards for the

Carnegie Library and a dementia hub.

The panel of judges included planners, architects and a representative from the School of Architecture in Manchester.

They gave the ‘Rochdale Borough Design Award’ to Kirkholt’s Strand Hub, being particularly impressed by the innovative and creative approach to the design, the spacious community facilities and the way it integrates with the development of the area.

The restoration of the Carnegie Library in Castleton won the ‘People’s Design Award’ with 115 votes out of the overall 339 votes cast, making the historic local landmark a strong winner.

Opened in 1905 after the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie

donated £2,500 for it to be built, the library became unoccupied in 2006 and lay derelict for a decade before being lovingly restored.

The judging panel also decided to give a ‘special commendation’ award to Willows Dementia Hub in Rochdale.

They were impressed by the carefully considered design approach to the hub and the range of facilities which help the residents lead better lives, with particular design details, such as the way the building has been opened up to the wider community by the use of floor-to-ceiling windows and a patio area.

The event was opened by Paul Moore, head of planning at Rochdale Borough Council and the awards were presented by Councillor

Carol Wardle, cabinet member for planning, development and housing.

Coun Wardle said: “Many excellent developments have been shortlisted for the awards over the years, but this was one of the strongest shortlists yet.

“The judges were impressed with them all, so much so that a special commendation was awarded.”