THE HITCHIN
SOCIETY
Hitchin Society
Civic Awards
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more information, please click on the topics below:
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The Hitchin
Society makes an annual award in recognition of the scheme which makes the
best contribution to the built environment of Hitchin, Ickleford or St
Ippolyts. Generally, one
award would be made each year, although in exceptional circumstances more
than one award may be made. If no
nomination is received meeting the standards required for a Civic Award, then
no Award is made for that year. Hitchin Society
Civic Award 2009 Architects: David Kann Associates, Bridge Street, Pinner, Middlesex Developer: Conack Homes Ltd, The Award was made in recognition of
the preservation of a building of exceptional importance to the Victorian
social history of Hitchin. Originally built in 1868 as St
Saviour’s School, it formed part of an outstanding complex of church,
almshouses, orphanage and schools.
Converted in 1956 to become the Gainsford Memorial Hall, it served the
Sikh Community from 1977 to 2006 as the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara. After the sale of the building, it was at
high risk of being demolished for redevelopment. It has, however, now been saved and
renovated to a high standard with the restoration of original features. The interior has been converted for
residential purposes.
Pictures of all the buildings in the Radcliffe
Road complex are shown in a PDF file click
here Hitchin Society
Civic Award 2006 The
Pre-preparatory St
Ippolyts, Hitchin Architects: Widdup Amer 91 Bancroft, Hitchin Construction: Ashe Construction Ltd Sharps Way, Hitchin The
Hitchin Society Civic Award was presented in
recognition of the highly imaginative design and creative use of space,
materials, light and colour in this important landmark building. Hitchin Society
Civic Award 2002 Design: Construction: Lantern Construction Ltd The Hitchin
Society Civic Award was presented in recognition of the remarkable and
imaginative renovation of one of the oldest buildings in Hitchin's historic
Market Place. The building has the appearance of a brick-fronted Georgian
house, but behind the façade parts of the building are much older, dating
back to the mid 1500's. The ground floor shop has always been successful, and
is now a fashionable hairdressing salon. But the three floors above the shop
have for years been sadly neglected, and had become almost derelict.
In a major
conservation and renovation project, Lantern Construction Ltd have converted
the upper floors into three flats, combining an exceptional standard of
modern design with the preservation of a wealth of original features. These
include the brickwork of a massive central chimney stack - a walk-around
feature in one of the flats - and 400 year-old timbers exposed in many of the
rooms.
Perhaps the
most stunning feature is the moulded plasterwork above a magnificent fireplace.
Dating from 1670, the plaster decorations include the rose of Before the
redevelopment work could take place it was first necessary for the building
to be made structurally sound. The original builders of the central chimney
stack - itself a conversion in the mid 1700's - had cut away some of the
beams leaving part of the building unsupported. This has been put right using
a modern version of a traditional blacksmithing design which has now given
this remarkable timber-framed building a secure long-term future. The Hitchin
Society Civic Award is therefore made this year in respect of the exceptional
standard of design, conservation and renovation work carried out within this
scheme. Hitchin Society
Civic Awards 2000
Architects: Vincent Gorbing Associates Developer: Michael Shanly Homes
Architects: Patel Taylor Client: Benslow Music Trust This also was awarded a commendation in The Civic
Trust national scheme of Civic Awards. |
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