14 Devon properties shortlisted in the Michelmores Property Awards 2021
Following a day of deliberation, 14 development projects in Devon have been named in the shortlist at this year's Michelmores' Property Awards. The prestigious Awards are now in their 19th consecutive year and recognise and celebrate the very best property and construction schemes in the South West, as well as the teams involved.
The Ada Lovelace Building, Sideshore, The Gordon Messenger Centre, and VSimulators Building at Exeter Science Park have each been shortlisted in the Project of the Year (under £5 million) category.
Named after the 19th century English mathematician, the Ada Lovelace Building forms part of the Exeter Science Park and was created to support the ongoing growth of STEMM companies in the vicinity. During 2020, the building was urgently converted to lab space to facilitate the Environment Agency's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Judges felt that their ability to react in this way set them apart from other projects.
A new 10,900 square foot structure on Exmouth seafront, Sideshore impressed the judges with its exemplar sustainability credentials. The wooden-clad building also includes locally sourced materials such as Yennadon Stone. Judges commented on the project team's excellent community engagement during the planning and development phases; they were particularly impressed that 100% of the workforce were local to the area. Mike Leece said: 'The scheme responds well to the economic needs of Exmouth and is a well deserving project.'
The Gordon Messenger Centre in Lympstone is a much-needed centre for serving and retired Royal Marine personnel. It offers a number of vital services including welfare advice, mental ill-health support, transition training workshops and careers fairs. With facilities that cater for personnel, their families, and the local community, it has become a national focal point for the Royal Marines charity. Judge, Rachel Bell commented on its bold profile and stand-alone design, as well as the team's achievement in delivering the project during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Another addition to Exeter's growing Science Park, the VSimulators Building impressed the judges with its ground-breaking facilities that enable truly cutting edge and world-leading research into how people experience motion and vibrations in the built environment to take place. Thelma Sorensen said: 'The engineering within the VSimulators Building is quite amazing and I have great hopes for what it wants to achieve for the future.'
Devonport Market Hall, Exeter Bus Station and The Deaf Academyhave been shortlisted in the Project of the Year (over £5 million) category.
Devonport Market Hall in Plymouth – part restoration, part new development of an abandoned building in Devonport, was praised for its game changing vision and for creating both social and economic benefits for the city. The scheme has created a community hub with co-working space and an innovative 15 metre diameter immersive technology dome - the first of its kind in Europe. Judge Sarah Buck OBE said: 'It's a very interesting building and two-part project that encompasses both historic and new elements. The team made good use of indigenous materials such as Plymouth limestone and achieved BREEM excellent via a bespoke system, which is very hard to do for historic buildings.'
The eagerly anticipated Exeter Bus Station development was praised for bringing a masterplan into reality, unlocking further development for the city. Judge Jo Davis said: 'This is a really important and long-awaited project, that allows the city to continue its story. They have really thought about connectivity, how pedestrians are going to move through the site and their experience of arriving and leaving the city.' She also mentioned the scheme's sustainability credentials, the team's ability to overcome obstacles and its support for the local community. A total of 27 apprenticeship placements were created and 69% of the supply chain originated from Devon and Somerset.
The new Deaf Academy in Exmouth was shortlisted not only for successfully meeting the complex needs of its occupants whom the judges noted were centre stage throughout, but its part in the regeneration and revitalisation of an abandoned educational facility. Judges commented on the scheme's job creation for the area, the demanding user interpretations, and the building's merit. The Deaf Academy was also shortlisted in the Education Project of the Year category with judge Nick Hole calling it 'fantastically worthy'.
The Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College is the second Devon-based project shortlisted in the Education category, which includes a brand new and bold entrance for the city's acclaimed further education establishment. Judge Peter Lacey commented on its 'playful and invigorating design which respects both the students as well as the institution and nearby historic alms houses'. Built with materials that are sympathetic to the scheme's surroundings, the judges were also impressed by its atrium, calling it a landmark building.
Postbridge Visitor Centre, Sideshore and The Box have been shortlisted in the Leisure and Tourism category.
Postbridge Visitor Centre on Dartmoor was built to celebrate and display the remains of a Bronze Age woman discovered at Whitehorse Hill in 2011: a find of international significance. Judge Thelma Sorensen noted the sensitive display of the remains in a building that successfully blends old and new materials which fellow judge Peter Lacey called simple and expressive. Construction took just 9 months and made use of natural granite walls, Douglas Fir cladding and a standing seam zinc roof. The design was unanimously approved by the Authority's Planning Committee and the project team required just six extra weeks to complete the build despite the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on day-to-day works.
The Box is the transformation of three listed buildings in Plymouth to provide a sustainable home for at risk collections and artefacts and provide an inspirational, accessible display that connects the people of Plymouth with their world-class heritage. Combining seven separate collections and institutions, The Box has successfully managed to meet the complex needs of the materials within its care. The scheme's architects created the box structure to unify the three listed buildings, new structure and piazza with a design that elevates the archive and creates a beacon for the city. Judges commented on the project's size and scale which brings together form and function. Peter Lacey added 'This innovative and exceptional scheme is of national importance, that raises the profile of Plymouth and will act as a natural magnet for the city.'
Devonport Market Hall and The Box have also been shortlisted in the Heritage Project of the Year.
Bellacouch Meadow and Mannamead Housing Scheme have received a place in the shortlist in the Residential Project of the Year (36 units and over) category.
Bellacouch Meadow in Chagford is a brand-new residential development on Dartmoor – the largest scheme of its kind to be approved for the National Park. It provides 93 homes, as well as a new fire station, business units, and a car park. The scheme is the result of highly successful collaboration between the local community, the Parish Council, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Chagford Community Trust, West Devon Borough Council, the landowner and the developer, C G Fry. The resulting development is one that blends the traditional Chagford vernacular with a contemporary twist. A careful use of materials including joinery crafted by the developer's own joiners, respects and continues the strong architectural character of the area. Judge Thelma Sorensen said: 'This scheme should be the blueprint for other communities. The people of Chagford should be proud.'
Located in one of Plymouth's suburbs, the architecturally-led Mannamead Housing Scheme was praised by judges for its innovative solution to providing affordable homes for local people. It is the first pilot programme for the Rentplus-UK model which was created by the Plymouth based Pillar Land Securities six years ago. Under the pilot, phase one of Mannamead Housing Scheme was developed to create a new housing tenure for affordable homes. The properties are rented to those on the local housing list who wish to get a foothold on the housing ladder. An affordable rental rate is levied for between five and 20 years during which time, tenants have the ability to save up towards a deposit for their home. At the end of the tenancy, it is the possible for tenants to purchase their home at market value.
Jo Davis, who joined the judging panel for the first time this year, said "This is a really important scheme and model for social housing. It provides an impressive ratio of 44% affordable homes and is interesting in terms of its design." The success of the scheme has led to changes in the National Planning Policy Framework and it is widely acclaimed by MPs and government ministers across the political board.
The Millpool and The Yealm have each been shortlisted in the Residential Project of the Year (35 units and under) category.
The Millpool is an age-restricted development of 10 homes that is situated on the water's edge in Stoke Gabriel. Built on a former car park, the developer overcame obstacles relating to the site's location, from flood prevention measures to negotiating traditional narrow country lanes. The scheme's contemporary homes meet the distinct needs of the over 55's who wish to downsize and enjoy retirement living. The resulting design is contemporary to one side, where large windows maximise waterside views, while a more traditional approach was taken to the front.
The planning process involved significant liaison with English Heritage to ensure a balance was struck and respected the feel of this small south Devon town. Judge, Mike Lacey said: "This scheme is typical of the developer: a small number of high-quality homes with good finishes in existing communities that meet a gap in the market."
The Yealm in Newton Ferrers is a boutique development of just eight new contemporary apartments, six apartments in the converted historic hotel and one house. All of the properties have beautiful, south-facing views, enjoy extensively landscaped grounds and a fully restored and original private jetty. The judges commented on the pleasing design of the new buildings which lose themselves into the side of the riverbank.
Rachel Bell, who joined the judging panel said: "This is a stunning setting and the scheme has some interesting designs which are reflective of the landscape. It is great to see the reuse and refurbishment of an existing building. The residents are able to make use of the jetty, and this is both an exciting offer and keeps the historic references to the paddle steamers that once journeyed along this stretch of river. I had a real sense of the development being knitted into the community and responding to a local context."
The awards finale is the announcement of the Building of the Year. Devonport Market Hall, the Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College and The Box are each shortlisted for this award.
Commenting on this year's shortlisted projects, Emma Honey, Partner and Head of the Real Estate team at Michelmores LLP said: "I'd like to extend my congratulations to the shortlisted projects for the Michelmores Property Awards 2021. We continue to live in uncertain times and like many others, the construction, property and real estate sectors are navigating a series of on-going and unique challenges. The submissions for the awards this year underline the resilience and adaptability of those working in the region and looking ahead there is much to be excited about. We look forward to celebrating 2021's winning projects at our gala dinner on Thursday 4 November at Sandy Park Conference Centre in Exeter. We will share more details on this year's ceremony soon."
Hosted by law firm Michelmores with offices in Exeter, Bristol and London, the Michelmores Property Awards celebrate excellence in the construction sector across the South West region.
To find out more about the Michelmores' Property Awards please visit:https://www.michelmores.com/property-awards-2021
