Hello, hello, hello it’s time to celebrate great design!

The new Broadland Gate Police Station took the top spot in the design category and The Lodge in Drayton scooped first prize in the enhancement category.

Chair of the Awards Panel, Cllr Caroline Karimi-Ghovanlou said:

“These awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the local expertise, hard work and vision involved in creating and restoring beautiful and functional buildings that enhance our district and protect its special character.” “As always, we received some fantastic entries of exceptional quality. We were so impressed with the attention to detail and the carbon cutting design of the new police station, and the lodge just wowed us with its transformation that was so sympathetic to the character of the existing building - both very worthy winners.”

Broadland Gate Police Station was built for Norfolk Constabulary and designed by Chaplin Farrant Architects, with the aim of bringing the local police services into a single space to create an efficient operational base. Judges were impressed with its use of quality materials, low carbon design, the use of renewable energy sources and how well it embedded into the landscape.

The Lodge at Drayton has been converted by developers Hidden Talent Homes. A significant local building built in 1914, it has been transformed into eight individual homes consisting of five apartments and three townhouses.

The conversion of the manor house also enabled the preservation works to the ruin of the original 15th century lodge in the grounds, removing it from the Buildings at Risk Register. This was overseen by conservation architect Ruth Brennan with SJ Restoration undertaking the work.

Two High Commendations were awarded in the Design category. Taverham Park Avenue built by Fleur Homes and designed by Hudson Architects impressed the judges, as did Woodland Drive, Drayton built by Beauchamp Homes and designed by A Squared Architects.

Bridgefoot Cottage built for the Salle Park Estate, designed by Hawkins Architecture with GMP Architecture overseeing the construction, was also awarded a commendation.

A High Commendation was also given in the Enhancement category with Tyby Farm and Hall View Barn developed by Sean O’Hanlon, designed by Claxton Hall Architectural Ltd., and built by Gaskin Builders Ltd.