Durlston Castle has been given a Commendation by the Civic Trust Awards.
Durlston Castle underwent a £5.5 million renovation and refurbishment programme, which was partly funded by a National Lottery Heritage Fund contribution, and on which Greendale Construction were main contractors.
The Awards and Commendations are given to projects that make a significant contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment. Commendation level schemes demonstrate a good standard of architecture or design, sustainability, inclusive design and provide a positive social, cultural, environmental or economic benefit to the local community.
The Civic Trust Awards celebrate outstanding architecture and built environment projects, and is the longest standing architectural & built environment awards scheme in Europe. Established in 1959, it recognises the very best in architecture, urban design, planning, landscape, public realm and public art. Successful projects make an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment and must be universally inclusive for all users, whilst offering a positive social, cultural, environmental or economic benefit to the local community.
The Civic Trust panel had this to say about Durlston;
“This is an interesting example of regeneration, bringing to life this derelict piece of heritage in Dorset. The architects and the client have approached this task with considerable skill, resulting in a building which is very welcoming to the general public, putting this part of the local area back onto the tourist map. The introduction of new work is barely distinguishable from the old, with the castle sympathetically extended so that all parts of the building are accessible. Formerly a restaurant for a holiday complex opened in 1891 by George Burt, the building is a modern attraction and interpretation centre for visitors to the Jurassic Coast, with exhibitions of all kinds and stunning views enjoyed from the roof-top terrace and new café bar.”
Greendale Director, Rob Hooker, commented;
“It is great that the Durlston project have received this commendation. A well deserved recognition of high quality design. The Civic Trust Awards really dig deep and look broadly into the design, sustainability, and visitor experience all of which are outstanding at Durlston. So Congratulations to the design team particularly M.J. Long and Tom Sweet at Long and Kentish Architects”