Abbotts Hospital, High Street, Guildford

HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT AWARDS

GUILDFORD HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT AWARDS 2003 The Guildford Heritage and Environment Awards scheme encourages and rewards those who make an important contribution to the conservation and improvement of the borough's architectural and environmental heritage. It forms part of the Council's overall strategy to raise design standards and environmental awareness in the area and is highly regarded and creates a considerable amount of media interest. There are six main categories which projects can be entered: New Buildings Refurbishment and conservation of existing buildings Environmental Projects and Landscape Schemes such as the improvement of wasteland, reclamation of ponds and waterways, conservation of wildlife habitats, creation of footpaths, landscape schemes and public art. Designing out crime building or local environment features designed to promote public safety and discourage crime. Environmental sustainability projects that contribute to environmental sustainability such as energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling, as well as green travel and transport initiatives to reduce car usage. Entry is also open to local businesses that can demonstrate achievement in linking sustainability and business goals. Schools Project, including either a practical project that enhances the school environment/local feature, or an academic study of local heritage. The Schools Project is open to first, middle and secondary schools in addition to further education. All schemes must be within the Guildford Borough boundary, although the related organisation does not, and projects need to be completed within the 12-month period prior to the judging in July. Click here to download an Entry Form for inclusion in the Guildford Heritage and Environment Awards 2003. In addition to the six main categories a new 'People's Favourite' award has been introduced. The new award will give the public the opportunity to vote on a different theme each year. This year the 'People's Favourite' will be focussing on the built environment in recognition of the vast range of architecture in the Borough. We would like you to nominate your favourites building, old or new. All nominations must be in the Guildford Borough boundary. Click here to download an entry form to nominate your favourite building for the 'People's Favourite' award. The winner will be announced at the annual awards ceremony in the Autumn. If you select the winning building your details will be entered into a draw for your chance to attend the awards ceremony at Guildford's historic Guildhall. The deadline for entries is Monday 2nd June 2003. For more information please contact Helen Mitchell or click here to email.

NEW BUILD Winner: GDG Management for Bushy Hill Junior School, Merrow

Special Commendation: CHASE Children's Hospice Service for the interior of 'Christopher's', Children's Hospice, Artington

ENVIRONMENTAL & OTHER IMPROVEMENTS Special Commendation: Judy Turner for her custodianship of a medieval flax retting pond, Little Flexford, Wanborough

SCHOOL PRACTICAL PROJECT Winner: Shere Infant School for sustainable development of the school grounds

DESIGNING OUT CRIME Winner: Guildford Borough Council for the Community Safety Warden Scheme

Useful websites

English Heritage – www.english-heritage.org.uk

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) - www.spab.org.uk

Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) - www.ihbc.org.uk

The Georgian Group – www.georgiangroup.org.uk

Victorian Society –www.Victorian-society.org.uk

LISTED BUILDINGS

Listed Buildings.
Guildford has over 1000 buildings listed by the Secretary of State as being of special architectural or historic interest. Listed Building Consent is required for alterations which would affect the special architectural or historic interest of the property. The Council’s conservation experts scrutinise any application to alter a building on The List to ensure that the special architectural or historic interest of the property is not compromised.

Alongside the Statutory List , the Council is in the process of compiling a list of buildings of special local architectural or historic interest known as the Local List currently including over 200 buildings. Whilst inclusion in The Local List does not afford any additional statutory protection, it does ensure that changes that are controlled by the Council do not compromise the special interest of the property.

Buildings at Risk
The Council compiles a schedule of Buildings at Risk from decay or neglect. This concentrates on statutorily Listed Buildings and endeavors to prioritise action to repair a building and return it to a viable use. The Council offers grant aid and professional advice to encourage owners to repair buildings. At present Guildford Borough has 20 buildings on the ‘At Risk Register’with only 3 in the "high risk" category, a relatively low number in relation to the rest of the country.

Maintaining your property makes good sense and saves you money. For a free advice booklet contact the Council's Conservation Team, or alternatively you can buy one for £3 from the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) or the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. A downloaded copy can be obtained free from www.maintainyourbuilding.org.uk

The results of the Council’s Heritage and Environment Awards 2002 have been announced.

The awards, judged by an independent panel, aim to encourage and reward those making a significant contribution to the conservation and enhancement of the borough’s architectural heritage and environment. Last year a new category was introduced, Environmental Sustainability, which rewards projects that encourage a sustained environment such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling and green transport initiatives. The Council hopes that the category will stimulate environmentally sustained projects in the future. The winning and commended entries in each category are:

• New Buildings
• Refurbishment and conservation of existing buildings
• Environmental and other improvements
• Designing out crime
• Environmental sustainability
• Schools Project

CONSIDERATE CONTRACTOR
Winner: D J Trimming Ltd for the construction of houses at Sycamore Drive, Ash Vale and Browns Lane, Effingham

Visit Guildford’s Historic Buildings not normally open to the public. FREE admission to all properties although in some instances tickets may need to be booked in advance (Tourist Information Centre 01493 444333). Saturday - Town Centre properties, Sunday – Village churches and guided walks. The event is organised by the Guildford Society in collaboration with Guildford Borough Council.

For further details, please contact Alison Davidson, Guildford Borough Council on 01483 444664 or email: davidsona@guildford.gov.uk

Who to contact: