The finalists in the 2016 Kent Design and Development Awards have now been revealed.
Twenty-four projects from across the county have been shortlisted in the awards, which are jointly organised and sponsored by DHA Planning, Kent County Council, and PR and marketing agency Maxim and take place every two years.
Three projects have been shortlisted three times: The Wing in Capel le Ferne (Commercial, Industrial & Retail, Public Buildings – Community, and Environmental Performance), The Yarrow in Broadstairs (Commercial, Industrial & Retail, Public Buildings – Education, and Conservation), and Folkestone Harbour Arm (Conservation, Public Buildings – Community, and Infrastructure and Renewables).
The Wing is a new visitor and learning centre at the National Battle of Britain Memorial, Capel le Ferne. It was designed by Godden Allen Lawn in Folkestone, with respect for the site’s location in an area of outstanding natural beauty as well as the memorial’s dignity.
Part of the East Kent College estate, The Yarrow is a Grade II-listed building that has been regenerated for use as a four-star training hotel. A former children’s convalescent home, The Yarrow’s refurbishment was designed by Richard Hopkinson Architects of Tonbridge.
Folkestone Harbour Arm integrates leisure time with a working harbour and a disused railway terminal and Strand House’s plans focussed on connecting people with the sea and the old town. The site combines sympathetic restoration with modern additions.
The remaining finalists are: The Ashes Folly, Hadlow; Orchard Gate, East Malling; Peters Village, Wouldham; The Beacon, Folkestone; Samphire Hoe Education Centre, Dover; Margate Beach Houses; The Scenic Railway, Margate; Hazells Farm, Northfleet; Farrow Court, Ashford; Horsted Park (Phase 2), Chatham; Wallis Fields, Maidstone; Royal Wells Park Phases 1&2, Tunbridge Wells; Fairfield, Dartford; Yaldam Manor, Sevenoaks; Staff Housing – Benenden School; Nautical Mews, Margate; and Cut and Cover Tunnel, Maidstone.
A further four projects have been shortlisted twice: Brompton-Westbrook Primary School in Gillingham, Herne Bay Sports Hub, Command of the Oceans in Chatham, and North Vat in Dungeness.
Alex Hicken of DHA Planning, sponsors of the overall Project of the Year award, commented: “Kent is home to a wide range of innovative projects, as is demonstrated by these finalists. The range of design and construction innovation and the quality of projects spread across the county is something we should all be proud of.”
The categories to be decided include Commercial, Industrial and Retail; Conservation; Environmental Performance; Infrastructure and Renewables; Public Buildings – Education and Community; and Residential – Minor and Major. The winners of the six categories will go forward to compete for the Project of the Year trophy.
Paul Carter, leader of Kent County Council, said: “There is much to celebrate in Kent, as will be highlighted by the number of high quality entrants across the county. We look forward to the winners being announced in December.”
DHA Planning, Kent County Council and Maxim are joined in delivering the awards by bdb design; Clague Architects; CTP Consulting Engineers; Kent Construction Focus Group; The Rochester Bridge Trust; Scape Procure, Quinn Estates and Penenden Heath Developments.
Judges’ site visits are currently under way, with the winners to be announced at an awards ceremony in December. See www.kentdesigndevelopmentawards.co.uk for further information and the full shortlist.