Devon's exemplary development schemes scoop prizes in prestigious property awards

Five Devon buildings were awarded prizes at the Michelmores Property Awards 2021, held on Thursday 4 November at Sandy Park in Exeter. The prestigious Awards are now in their 19th consecutive year, and recognise and celebrate the very best property and construction schemes in the South West, as well as the teams involved.

As well as the awards given to the build projects, the John Laurence Special Contribution Award was given to Andrew Maynard, a well-known face in the Devon business community. Andrew established the Michelmores Property Awards in 2002, and has played an instrumental role in championing the commercial and residential property sectors, in Exeter, the SW and beyond. He is widely regarded in the business community as being a tour de force for the sector, who has led the way with his commitment, energy and ambition for all things property.

The projects recognised at the prestigious awards ceremony and gala dinner, attended by professionals from across the South West's property and construction sector were: The Box (Plymouth); Market Hall (Plymouth); Sideshore (Exmouth); The Deaf Academy (Exmouth); and the Digital and Data Centre (Exeter College).

The Box, a stand-out applicant at this year's Awards, won in both the Leisure and Tourism Project of the Year, and the Building of the Year categories. The exciting and much-lauded project restored and transformed three listed buildings in Plymouth to provide an innovative visitor attraction and a sustainable home for at risk collections and artefacts. Its inspirational and accessible exhibitions successfully connect the people of Plymouth with their world-class heritage.

Market Hall, also in Plymouth won Heritage Project of the Year. The highly successful project saw the part-restoration, part-new development of an abandoned building in Devonport. The scheme embraces the old and the cutting edge whilst keeping the needs of the community at its heart. Alongside co-working spaces, the Hall is home to a 15-metre diameter immersive technology dome – the first of its kind in Europe.

Winner of Project of the Year (under £5m), Sideshore's wood-clad, 10,900 sq. ft structure on the seafront at Exmouth houses exciting water sports facilities, retail outlets and eateries. 100% of the workforce used in the project were local to the area, demonstrating the team's focus on creating meaningful investment in the town. The scheme continues Exmouth's exciting growth.

The new Deaf Academy, built on the site of a former educational facility in Exmouth was awarded Project of the Year (over £5m). It was applauded for successfully meeting the complex needs of its occupants. The project has regenerated and revitalised the town, creating jobs and re-energising an abandoned building. The judges commented on the team's ability to create an accessible and welcoming space with demanding user interpretations to create a building of merit.

The Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College won in the Education Project of the Year category. A brand new and stylistically bold entrance for the city's acclaimed further education establishment, it has become a landmark building for the city and the college. Its design was praised for being both playful and sympathetic – respecting neighbouring buildings and the students who'll enjoy it for years to come.

Of this year's Awards, Emma Honey, Head of Property at Michelmores LLP said: "It was fantastic to bring together members of the South West property and construction industry to celebrate the winners of the Michelmores Property Awards 2021. Despite challenging conditions, the sector has continued to thrive and shown itself to be a robust and innovative part of the region's economy. My congratulations to our winners on their Awards which are thoroughly well deserved. In particular, I am absolutely thrilled for Andrew Maynard to be recognised in this way as he has brought so much passion and expertise to this sector for over 50 years."

Hosted by law firm Michelmores with offices in Exeter, Bristol and London, the Michelmores Property Awards celebrate excellence in the construction sector across the South West region.

To find out more about the Michelmores Property Awards please visit:www.michelmores.com/property-awards-2021