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- in the Placemaking Project of the Year category – the restoration of buildings on Walliscote Road, and
- in the Sustainable Project of the Year category – the new Winterstoke Hundred Academy at Locking Parklands.
Two North Somerset Council projects shortlisted for regional property awards
1:30pm - 05 September 2024
Two North Somerset Council projects in Weston-super-Mare have been shortlisted in this year’s Insider’s South West Property Awards:
Walliscote Road
The project included work to enhance five Victorian buildings and the 1930s grade II-Listed cinema on Walliscote Road. The Magdala Buildings – 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 Walliscote Road – were designed by architect Hans Price and built in 1870.
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Some of the restored buildings on Walliscote Road
Not only were these historic buildings maintained and restored, four previously derelict and boarded-up retail units were brought back to use for communities and local businesses. Nine new one- and two-bedroom apartments were also created above the units to provide housing for 22 people.
The work was instigated and managed by North Somerset Council through Historic England’s national Heritage Action Zones programme. It was achieved through investment from Historic England, the UK government and private sector partners.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member responsible for Heritage Action Zones, said: “The transformation of our historic buildings in Weston-super-Mare over the last four years has been remarkable. Walliscote Road is once again a vibrant place with independent businesses occupying previously derelict retail units, providing a real boost to the local economy. It’s fantastic to see the buildings as they are today – restored and preserved for current and future generations. I’m delighted that we’ve been shortlisted for this accolade, and recognised alongside such worthy regional projects.”
Winterstoke Hundred Academy
The expansion of Winterstoke Hundred Academy provides up to 900 school places in a new building at Parklands Village, just outside of Weston-super-Mare.
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The completed Winterstoke Hundred Academy extension
The project was funded through Homes England’s Housing Infrastructure Fund and was delivered in partnership with Kier and Cabot Learning Federation. The school has been designed to some of the highest standards of sustainability achieving a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating for energy efficiency.
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, Executive Member for Children’s Services, Families and Lifelong Learning said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve delivered with Kier, CLF and Homes England, so it’s brilliant to see the expansion of Winterstoke Hundred Academy receiving further recognition from industry experts.
“The school building raises the bar for construction projects in North Somerset, setting a new standard for sustainability, perfect for the future as we all do our bit to achieve Net Zero. It also shows what North Somerset Council can achieve when leading projects for its community, delivering schemes that are an investment in more than just bricks and mortar, offering lasting value to residents who can enjoy year on year access to new facilities, as well as opportunities created in their local area.”
The annual awards dinner brings together developers, placemakers, consultants, agents, and property personalities to celebrate the successes of the industry over the last year. This year’s event will be held at the Bristol Marriott City Centre on Thursday 10 October.