Better Building by Design

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is seeking nominations for its award scheme to find the most imaginative and creative recent developments across the District. 

The 2007 'Celebration of Excellence' Design Award aims to recognise positive contributions to the District, not only in new buildings or groups of buildings, but also extension and conversion schemes.   

The invitation is open to anyone wishing to nominate a high quality building of any use or size, providing it was completed between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2006.  This year's awards will also seek to acknowledge innovative sustainable development as an integral aspect of the appraisal of the nominated schemes.  

Nominations for this year's award must be received by 20th April, after which all sites will be visited and a shortlist drawn up. Judging will take place in July by an independent panel of judges, including the Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning, representatives from the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Warwickshire and West Midlands Association of Local Councils, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the Royal Town Planning Institute and a student invited from a design and architecture course.  

Nomination forms can be obtained from the Conservation Team at Stratford-on-Avon District Council on 01789 260342, or from parish councils and local libraries.  

The District Council has been running the Design Award since 1995. Plaques are presented to the owners of the winning buildings together with certificates for the designers and builders.  

The Design Award was last presented in 2004 when 2 developments won the prestigious title, The Moat House at Dorsington comprises an extension to the Grade II listed moated house and the conversion of a workshop and studio within the former mill complex at Clifford Mill, Clifford Chambers to office/studio and commercial premises   

Previous award winners include: The Coterie at Preston Bagot; the art gallery at Compton Verney Mansion House; a doctors' surgery in Southam; the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon; Cox's Yard in Stratford; housing schemes at Shipston-on-Stour, Burmington, Henley, Haselor and Long Compton; Poggins House and August Cottage, Main Street, Long Compton and the Boathouse at Ryon Hill Park, Stratford-upon-Avon