News

Poole Pride of Place judges have made two awards this year - the Old Generator House in Bourne Valley Road and the Study Gallery at Poole and Bournemouth College.

The Old Generator House is the winner of this year’s Sustainability award. The building has been converted by architect, David Smith, from a Victorian electricity generating station into a number of self contained industrial, warehousing and service units.

Councillor Ron Parker, Mayor of Poole and one of this year’s judges, said: "I was immensely impressed by this project. It combines so many of this Council’s core values, in providing starter units for local businesses, employment opportunities in the local community and the elegant reuse of an existing building. Too often these days, Poole’s built heritage is torn down before adequate time and imagination is given to a viable reuse."

The Study Gallery is an art gallery and teaching facility for Bournemouth and Poole College. This project was praised for its outstanding modern architecture.

David Underhill, Chairman of the Royal Institute of British Architects in Dorset, said: "The Architect, Richard Horden, has skilfully used light, space and proportion to produce a delightful combination of spaces for displaying sculpture and art. Countless numbers of young people will be inspired by a sense of wonder at this building and the art works that it contains."

The new public open space at St John’s Place, outside St Johns Church, in Ashley Road, received a Commendation from judges. The refurbishment of cottages by Canford School and Bennetts Bakery in Britannia Road, Ashley Cross also received special praise.