Teignbridge projects scoop top building awards

Pavilions Teignmouth and South Devon UTC have scooped awards in the South West Local Authority Building Excellence Awards 2016.

The major projects were recognised for excellence in the South West Local Authority Building Control Awards 2016 on July 1 at the Holiday Inn, Plymouth.

Both were nominated by Devon Building Control Partnership, which provides the building control service on behalf of South Hams District Council, Teignbridge District Council and West Devon Borough Council. The team serves a population of 257,000 people covering 1,050 sq miles with 84 miles of coastline and moorland.

LABC awards are all about the essence of good buildings, with finalists judged on the “excellence” shown from a construction and technical building control point of view. They celebrate the design and construction teams that, found innovative and creative solutions to technical issues and difficult sites.

Award categories cover the whole range of construction, rewarding everything from the best extension, local builder or traditional craftsperson and conversion through to the best new housing development, public service building, inclusive building and partnership with a local authority building control team.

The South Devon UTC in Newton Abbot won the ‘best educational building’ category and Pavilions Teignmouth was highly commended in the ‘best large commercial building’ category.

Other highlights include ‘Lowen’, a new property in Bratton Clovelly, West Devon, built by Pavilions Construction in the ‘best individual new home’ category and local builder D Roger in the ‘best local builder or traditional craftsperson’ category.

Winners automatically qualify for the grand finals on Monday 28 November at the Westminster Park Plaza in London.

Devon Building Control Partnership is administered from Teignbridge’s Forde House head officers in Newton Abbot. The helpful team of qualified Building Control Surveyors and administration officers provide impartial advice and assistance to the public, agents, architects, builders, developers, and other professionals on matters relating to the Building Regulations and other services. Work also includes dangerous structures inspection and resolution, access advice and control of demolition works.

Cllr Humphrey Clemens, Chairman of Devon Building Control Partnership and Teignbridge District Council's Executive member for Planning and Housing, said:

“Huge congratulations to the winners. It is fantastic to see projects of all shapes and sizes recognised for their innovation. It is particularly pleasing to see South Devon UTC and Pavilions Teignmouth recognised.

“Teignbridge District Council played a crucial role in bringing these significant strategic projects to fruition. Both unlock benefits to business and communities.

“Devon Building Control Partnership has an important role across all three district areas in providing assistance and making sure developments meet stringent quality standards, but it also sees the value in recognising those projects which do well from concept to occupation. Well done to all.”

Margaret Davidson, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Pavilions Teignmouth, said:

“The trustees of Pavilions Teignmouth are delighted that the new building has been recognised in these awards. Since its opening the centre has offered a wide range of arts activities including film, performances and exhibitions and is proving to be a very popular community venue. It also provides support to small, local businesses through the provision of modern work hubs.”

South Devon UTC Principal Ian Crews said:

“South Devon UTC is delighted to receive more recognition of the quality of design and build of our building in Newton Abbot. It is obvious to us all as we use this wonderful building how well it was designed, specified and constructed. The true indictment of any building is how well it performs its task; well we truly feel we are privileged to have been presented with such an advanced, beautifully designed educational building. We look forward to its impact on young people in South Devon in the years to come.”

For more information and photos please visit www.labc.co.uk/awards/2016/south-west