The evening of the 23rd of November last year, welcomed a large gathering at The Hold to witness the presentation of the awards for 2022. 

The fifteen nominations, which we’d received by the end of September, varied from a brand new residential project, via the renovation of shopfronts, to a major renovation of a large public building and finally to one of the most impressive renovation projects of one of the most prestigious sites in the town. 

All of the projects nominated had been made public, using the Society’s Image Archive resource. As has been the practice in the recent past, an album was created of the nominations for the scrutiny of everyone, but most particularly, so that our adjudicators were able to become familiar with the nominations prior to any visits they planned to make.

The evening commenced with a promotion of the Image Archive in relation to the albums of this century’s awards. The annual awards evening has been going almost as long as the Society has been in existence and a history lesson was given to the audience.

Our Vice Chairman, as the night’s host, pointed out that after lengthy research and photographic expeditions, all bar two of the awards’ albums for this century were largely completed. Most of the nominations of the past twenty years had their images and their status indicated on the site.

The Chairman, John Norman, followed this by a short piece about some projects which we did not include, namely those on the fringes of the town. The encroachment by neighbours on our  borders was concerning when considering the infrastructure which may or may not accompany the projects which were intrusive and less welcome in our proximity.

The main event was conducted by a former member of the Executive Committee, Su Marsden. Our practice of using the Vice Presidents for this event was enhanced by this innovation and this novel approach was greeted enthusiastically as Su’s informality and careful observation of the judging process brought a fresh and clear commentary on this year’s awards. Which are shown below. 

Award of Distinction for 4, College Street -The Benet Aldred House

Tom Smith - IBC  

Hugh Bunbury from Nick Jacob Architects

Mark Heady from United Stone Ltd.

 

Award of High Commendation for The Old Post Office

Mark Hunter IBC

Hugh Bunbury from Nick Jacob Architects

Chris Bromige  from United Stone Ltd.

 

Award of High Commendation for the Grimwade Street Flats

Cllr Colin Kreidewolf & Tim Hearne: Handford Homes     

Gipping Construction: Steve Offord  & Joel Murray

Jamie Alston & Craig Driver from Hoopers Architects.

 

Award of Commendation for the Green & Hatfield renovation

Client/ contractor Tatiana Geogea 

James Tanner -Hollins Architects. 

 

Interestingly two top awards went to the Borough Council with same architects and same contractors so they must be commended for the work done in the town.  Also, Handford Homes is an arm of the Council who won another award.  

We are very fortunate that the council here is so focused on care and quality  in the construction work they do.

Another pleasant and successful Society evening was completed by drinks in celebration afterwards in the stunning exhibition space of the foyer at The Hold.

Tony Marsden

Photographs from our Image Archive.