In pursuance of the Society's objectives, annual awards in the form of framed certificates are given for the buildings that have made a notable contribution to the townscape, under the headings:

• new buildings
• restoration or refurbishment of an existing building

Awards are made in two classes:

1. private
2. commercial or local authority

Schemes must have been completed in the preceding two years and be visible from the public highway, including footpaths, and the criteria for judging are:

• architectural quality
• work in character with the surroundings or forming a focal point
• improvement to the original building or its setting
• scale, detailing, colour and materials sympathetic, well considered and appropriate
• good quality of workmanship and standard of finish
• impact: does it set a good standard for others to follow?

The awards are in three categories:

1. distinction,
2. high commendation
3. and commendation.

At the Awards Evening photographs of all the nominations are shown and the work described before the awards are announced and the presentations made.

The Ipswich Society Annual Awards -- 2009

The Ipswich Society's Awards are presented each year for the best new buildings and restoration projects in the Town. The Society aims to promote excellence in the built environment and the judging panel of architects, planners, surveyors and engineers looks for buildings which, besides showing good design and workmanship, also fit well into their surroundings and have something special to offer - the "wow" factor!

At the awards ceremony held at the St. Nicholas Centre on 11-Nov-2009, chairman of the judging panel, Bob Allen, spoke of his passion for seeing quality, and that he wanted present a celebration of the town, which is a marvellous place in which to live and work.

The Mayor of Ipswich, Cllr. David Goldsmith presented certificates to the following:

AWARD of DISTINCTION

Arlingtons, Museum St.

Project: Restoration, refurbishment, conversion
Client: K. and E. Ambler
Design: Stewart Brown
Contractor: Elliston, Steady & Hawes (Building Ltd.)

AWARD of DISTINCTION

Isaacs, Wherry Quay

Project: Restoration, refurbishment, conversion
Client: Aidan Coughlan
Design: Nicholas Jacobs Architects
Contractor: Chadman & Pleasance

HIGH COMMENDATION:

Suffolk New College, Rope Walk

Project: New building
Client: Suffolk New College
Designers: Sheppard Robson
Contractor: Morgan Ashurst plc

COMMENDATION:

Corn Exchange, Princes and King Streets

Project: Restoration, refurbishment of the exterior
Client: Ipswich Borough Council
Designers: NPS South East Ltd.
Contractor: Noble & Taylor (Ongar) Ltd.

COMMENDATION:

Sir Bobby Robson Footbridge, West End Road

Project: New pedestrian river bridge
Client: Fairview New Homes Ltd.
Designer: Train & Kemp Consulting Engineers
Contractor: Tamdown Group Ltd.

The Ipswich Society Annual Awards -- 2008

At the awards ceremony held at St. Peter's Church on 12-Nov-2008, chairman of the judging panel, Dr. Chris Wiltshire commented that with so much new building going on in the town, Ipswich deserves the best; the Ipswich Society continues to push for excellence.

The Mayor of Ipswich, Cllr. David Hale presented certificates to the following:

HIGH COMMENDATION:

The Reg Driver Visitor Centre, Christchurch Park

Project: New building
Client: Ipswich Borough Council
Designers: Randall, Shaw and Billingham
Contractor: V. A. Marriott Ltd.

COMMENDATIONS:

St. Peter's Church

Project: Restoration and Refurbishment of interior
Client: Ipswich Hospital Band / Ipswich Historic Churches' Trust / Ipswich Borough Council
Designers: Nicholas Jacob Architects
Contractor: R.G. Carter (Ipswich) Ltd.

The Wolsey Apartments, College St.

Project: New building
Client: Braceforce Ltd.
Designers: Wincer Kievenaar Architects
Contractor: Braceforce Ltd.

University Campus Suffolk -- Waterfront

Project: New building
Client: University Campus, Suffolk
Designers: RMJM Architects
Contractor: Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd.