TOWNSCAPE AWARDS
Every other year the Kingston upon Thames Society presents Townscape Awards in recognition of new buildings, landscaping and artworks that in the Society's view have done the most to enhance Kingston. The Awards were launched in 1989, and since then more than 50 developments have earned the right to display the Society's coveted certificate of townscape merit.
The seven latest Awards made on November 15, 2006 in the Judge Lecture Theatre, Tiffin Boys' School, were for developments completed during 2005 and 2006. They were selected by a special sub-committee from projects nominated by Society members and others.
The full list of Awards, together with the sub-committee's citations, is
1. Park Royal development, Kingston Vale.
A residential scheme centred on the rehabilitation of the historic Robin Hood Gate Hotel, which had been under threat of demolition. The clients were Ellmer Homes of Hampton Wick, and the architect was Julian Craske of Philip Design Associates.
2. St Andrew's Square, Surbiton.
After years of neglect, funds raised by the local conservation group SCARA and external funding paid for new railings and landscaping to bring back to life a square planned in the grand manner. The designer was SCARA member Tony Johannsen, in partnership with the Council.
3. Fish Kitchen, Coombe Road, Norbiton.
Jarvis's fish shop has been merged with Fish Restaurants Ltd and expanded to provide a restaurant with an external dining deck and 'a touch of class' in its robust design and appropriate finishes. The designer was Andrew Bassford.
4. Performing Arts Centre, Kingston Grammar School
The stridently modern design, with a glass facade fronting a Conservation Area road, cleverly relates in form and colour to the Victorian parent building next door. The architect was Andrew Shorten.
5. Landscaping at Surbiton Hill Road and Skerne Road
Two good examples of the Council's work on highways and verges, with high-quality planting and hard landscaping. The designers were John Bolland, Prav Amin and Afe Tesfay.
6. Richard Mayo Centre, United Reformed Church
Much improved access is provided for users of the church's community areas, including a lift and enhanced foyer. The designer was Patrick Manwell of Archadia Architects.
7. Big Yellow Storage Company, London Road.
The committee were won over by this strident modernist building, combining storage facilities with flats. The designer was David Scanlon for the Mountford Pigott Partnership.
Representatives of all the winning schemes were presented with framed certificates, and made a short speech about what gave them most satisfaction about their projects. A full house applauded each team, after which winners and audience retired to the Lecture Theatre foyer for celebratory bubbly.