The winners of Ealing Civic Society’s award scheme have been announced with two schools being commended along with a former yard that was used as a ‘dumping ground’.
At a special presentation that took place at Open Ealing on 17 October 2023, certificates were given by Alice Lester MBE, director for regeneration, growth and employment, Brent Council where Ms Lester also spoke about Brent’s own design award scheme, initiated this year.
Since 1989, Ealing Civic Society has given awards to recognise and encourage building and environmental projects that make a noteworthy contribution to the community in the Borough of Ealing.
In 2023, three projects were commended:
Havelock Primary School ARP (Additional Resource Provision): A unit that provides children with special needs additional resources to support their integration into the wider mainstream school community. The judges felt that the provision delivered the principles of ARP well, and were particularly impressed with the integration of inside and outside spaces and newly renovated sensory garden.
Fielding Primary School ARP (Additional Resource Provision): A unit that provides children with special needs additional resources to support their integration into the wider mainstream school community. The judges were impressed by the detailing and execution reflecting the close working relationship between the architect and client Head Teacher.
Pitzhanger Hub: A multi-purpose space created from a former yard that had been used as a ‘dumping ground’ but can now be utilised by volunteers and for small events. The judges felt that the design responded well to the historic fabric of the yard and adjacent stables and as an interpretation of architectural detail found in Soane’s Pitzhanger Manor.
Other shortlisted entries this year were:
Market Place, Acton: A residential/commercial building that replaced a dilapidated low-rise building on a difficult site.
The Ealing Project: Repurposing of basement premises beneath a shopping centre, previously occupied as a nightclub but now offering cinema screens and a large open bar/café/gallery space that can also host music events.
Ealing Civic Society chairman, Ann Chapman, said that aim of the award is to promote and celebrate good design across all kinds of building and landscape in the borough.
In an announcement, the Society said it was “an early promoter of good design, which is now increasingly being recognised as an important contributor to a sense of place and community.”
Ms Chapman also “noted that numbers and variety of the entries received had been limited this year but was pleased that the judges had been able to commend three schemes.”
