Winner
Melville Phase 1 entered by Plymouth City Council, Urban Splash and Gillespie Yunnie Architects
Melville is the striking centrepiece of the largest collection of Grade 1 listed military buildings in Europe, known as Royal William Yard. Melville is Grade I Listed and on the Heritage at Risk register. A mixed-use scheme including boutique cinema, restaurants, offices, co-working space and gym, has brought life back into the building and secured its future. It has supported the ongoing delivery of a mixed-use sustainable community in Royal William Yard, as well as enhancing its economic role as a visitor and cultural destination. This development has overcome challenges in relation to viability, the pandemic, flood risk and heritage.
Photo credit: Urban Splash
In selecting this entry as the winner the judges concluded that the development represents a remarkable mixed-use project securing the long-term future of Melville, the centrepiece building of a group of Grade I listed buildings at the Royal William Yard (RWY).
The judges were particularly impressed with the partnership working between the three entrants – Plymouth City Council, Urban Splash and Gillespie Yunnie Architects which were key to the innovative procedural and practical planning solutions incorporated.
The planning contribution has been outstanding, founded upon a clear vision of establishing a vibrant waterfront destination for a wide spectrum of users including local residents, tourists and office users.
Commended
InterCity Place entered by Plymouth City Council, University of Plymouth and Stride Treglown
Constructed in the 1960s, Inter City Place sat idle for over a decade. Set in a prominent location adjacent to Plymouth Railway Station, it represented a prime revitalisation and regeneration opportunity as an allocated site and part of the Station Masterplan. The project was envisaged by the University of Plymouth to provide a state-of-the-art facility that will educate future generations of NHS and care professionals. Delivery was challenging for various reasons, including the global pandemic and working with an old building, but the result has greatly improved the physical environment, and will help to address national shortages of healthcare workers.
Photo credit University of Plymouth
In selecting this entry for a commendation the judges were imprressed with the design of facilities housing cutting edge facilities that will train a wide range of healthcare professionals of the future.
The project serves as the first major step in the wider delivery of the Brunel Plaza Masterplan for Plymouth Railway Station. The planning contribution was excellent with an exemplary partnership between the University, the Agent Stride Treglown and the Council focused around a Strategic Liaison Planning Performance Agreement. Overall the ultimate social, economic and environmental benefits remaining significant.
Shortlisted
Coverack North Coast Protection Scheme entered by AECOM
The Coverack North Coast Protection scheme is an essential piece of infrastructure protecting the Cornwall shoreline from the risk of substantial future erosion and climate change. AECOM led the successful planning application which helps protect the main access road for the community of Coverack and ensures Common Land, property, assets and infrastructure are all safeguarded. The project team actively engaged with local stakeholders and statutory consultees which ensured development was sensitively designed, in keeping with the landscape character, AONB and the geological SSSI which were within the site. Construction was completed in February 2024.
Image credit: AECOM