We are delighted that our Margaret Stancomb development has won the Trowbridge Town Enhancement Award.
The award recognises a building project or development which has significantly enhanced Trowbridge. Nominations were considered by representatives from Trowbridge Town Council and other select judges, before being submitted to the Town Development Committee for final approval.
Being something of a local landmark, the site of the former primary school was steeped in stories from the community, who were engaged throughout the process. Unfortunately it had been derelict for over a decade, attracting graffiti and vandalism. By retaining and sensitively restoring the original Victorian building, an important part of local heritage has been given a sustainable use for another century. A town centre brownfield site that is delivering much needed high quality, affordable homes for the people of Trowbridge, including key workers.
Nickie Jeary, Frances Geary, Paul Walsh and Nikki Townshend accepting the award from Trowbridge Mayor Cllr Denise Bates at the town's annual civic dinner on Saturday 5 March, on behalf of partners Quattro Design Architects and E G Carter & Co Ltd who built the new homes.
Paul Walsh, Selwood Housing group development director said:
We are thrilled to receive the Trowbridge Town Enhancement Award for our Margaret Stancomb development. With over 500 households on the housing register in Trowbridge alone, this brownfield site gave us the opportunity to deliver high quality affordable homes in a fantastic central location.
At the outset we knew how important retaining the heritage of the school building was, keeping its distinct features and creating a great long-term use as affordable family homes.
I am delighted for our customers, the team and our partners at E G Carter & Co Ltd and Quattro Design Architects. I'd also like to thank Homes England and Wiltshire Council for their support.
The twelve homes for social rent are now providing secure tenancies for people on a lower income, while the nine shared ownership properties have helped local families get on to the housing ladder.
We are so pleased to have played a role in bringing part of the town centre back to life at the same time as preserving an important part of Trowbridge history.
Renamed Margarets Close, the development has also been awarded 'Best Small Social Housing Development' for the West of England in the LABC Building Excellence Awards and was a national finalist in the 'Affordable Housing' category at the British Homes Awards.
