DISTINCTION IN BUILDING AWARDS 2016 The award scheme was introduced in 1992 with the aims of encouraging high standards of design and workmanship in developments in Worthing, and giving public recognition to excellence in building. A total of 91 awards have now been made. This year the Awards Panel is made up of representatives from the Worthing Society, Worthing s Conservation Area Advisory Committee as well as Members and Officers of the Council. There are six categories in which awards can be made, and this year awards are being made in four of them. In the Commercial & Other Uses category, two awards are being made: Bohunt Academy, Broadwater Road After touring these buildings, the Panel were especially impressed with the internal layout and finish of both the main school building and sports hall. Given the available budget, the design of both buildings was of a very high standard, and the clean simple lines of the contemporary design enhance the approach into town. Whilst the space was limited around the buildings, the Panel liked the informal play areas with the covered canopies.
Learning Resource Centre, Northbrook College, Littlehampton Road The Panel considered the bold architectural approach to be a fitting reflection of the creative nature and diversity of courses on offer at Northbrook College, and were impressed by how successfully the old was integrated with the new. The architectural impact of the building was applauded, in particular when viewed from the west when approaching the town. In the New Residential category, 10 awards are being made: 99-101 Brighton Road The conversion of the old school was carried out to a very high standard and the design of the new two storey dwelling forming a subservient coach house building was very successful, feeling part of the original development. The Panel felt that by retaining the open setting to the frontage of the building, the setting of the main building and the conservation area had been enhanced.
1-9 Hammond Close, Durrington Hill The Panel felt this to be a good example of where a high standard of design and layout had increased the density in a sympathetic way. The provision of a strong frontage with a large house, together with a small bespoke coach building adjacent to the gated entrance, helped to reflect the low density of the area whilst also helping to screen the new dwellings to the rear. The Panel were impressed with the quality of finish and overall design concept. Hurst Grange & 11-14 Parkfield Road The overall design and layout of this development was felt to be of an exceptional standard. The four staggered houses along the road frontage were a real enhancement to the street, whilst the two plots either side of the access frame the larger, Edwardian inspired, apartment block to the rear and effectively act as lodge houses. The Panel enjoyed the attention to detail in terms of the architectural features, the entrance pillars, and the hard and soft landscaping throughout.
7-9 Pond Lane The Panel were very impressed by the sympathetic addition of two semi-detached houses within the former curtilage of an adjoining Listed Building. Whilst using flint blocks, which were difficult to detect overall, the layout of the cottages and the considered design has resulted in a new development that relates very sympathetically to the existing flint cottages in the lane. The attention to detail extended to the flint boundary wall and the design and sting of the ancillary buildings. 1-10 Spells Yard, Grafton Place The Panel were greatly impressed by this high density redevelopment scheme which both enlivens the streetscape and enhances the character of the Conservation Area. The building s design, form and detailing were felt to create a strong focal point on this prominent corner site where the flint work in particular is of a very high standard.
1-5 Schools Yard & 93 Portland Road This scheme consisted of the conversion and refurbishment of the former Reps Health Studios, and the erection of a new block of residential accommodation in the old car park. The new build housing was sensitively undertaken, reflecting the scale and character of neighbouring buildings along Grafton Road. The panel were particularly impressed with the sensitive alterations and conversion at the rear of the new courtyard. The finish, in terms of landscaping, was of a high standard and overall the scheme had greatly enhanced the setting of the adjoining Listed Building. 1-7 Seagrass Close & 84-92 Meadow Road The Panel were unanimous in its praise of this scheme for transforming the area, not only visually but also in tackling some challenging affordable housing and creating a strong community within the new development. The careful selection of materials and the contemporary design had lifted a fairly drab area. The scheme was also praised for its hard and soft landscaping.
The Fairways, Hill Barn Lane This scheme was considered to be a good response to a sensitive semi-rural location. The individual dwellings being of a vernacular design using local materials, brick, flint and tile hanging. The resin bonded gravel drive created a soft light colour to the internal courtyard road and was complemented by a good quality planting scheme. The Waterfront, Eirene Road The Panel were unanimous in their praise for this development. The strong nautical theme and bold architectural approach were of a high standard and the Panel especially liked the hard and soft landscaping in the south facing courtyard, which further emphasised the marine setting of the development.
Vista Mare, West Parade This scheme was liked by the Panel who felt that it represented a positive addition to Worthing seafront and continued the strong tradition of Modernist architecture in the town. The high density development provided a very attractive frontage onto both the seafront and Marine Gardens and its detailed design, with notable changes of scale, helped to reduce its apparent size. In the Building Restoration/Refurbishment category, there are two awards this year: Mayfair House, 11-12 Heene Terrace This property, having suffered some years of neglect, has been restored and refurbished to an exemplary standard. Obviously a labour of love, a great deal of time and energy has been spent reviving the building s interior and exterior appearances. The works to this part of a Listed Building has encouraged further investment and enhancement throughout the terrace. The panel were exceptionally impressed.
Southern Pavilion, Worthing Pier Situated at the head of the pier, this 1930s nautical style pavilion has been the subject of a major conversion, opening up the previously introverted night club and allowing the building to re-embrace its unique position. Works to the interior have transformed the building, and the Panel appreciated not only the restored open space but also the fantastic views out of and through the building. This pavilion has become a major attraction hosting a great variety of events. And finally, there is one award in the shopfronts category: Pressleys, 47 Montague Street This new, high quality, traditional shopfront not only improves the look of this building but also compliments the existing neighbouring shopfront. Constructed using traditionally styled stall risers and leaded lights above the transoms, the resultant shopfront with its subtle signage has been recognised as an enhancement to the conservation area.