Civic Trust recognises outstanding NI architecture

Civic Trust Awards were today presented to four of Northern Ireland’s outstanding examples of architectural design.

The Civic Trust Awards are one of the UK’s most prestigious award schemes for architecture and environmental design. Every year the Civic Trust gives out a range of awards: Special Awards, Awards, Commendations and Mentions.

The Civic Trust Awards have been established for 42 years and are only given to outstanding examples of new architecture, restoration, town planning, landscapes and public art. The scheme is unique in that the judges look for not only design excellence but also projects that benefit their local communities and environments.

Presenting the awards John Cleland, Director of Professional Services with the Planning Service, said: “The schemes that have been recognised in Northern Ireland are a testimony to the efforts of their owners to meet the highest standards in planning, design and construction and to preserve for future generations the very best of our built heritage.

“I hope that this year’s success will encourage everyone in the industry to strive to create a quality environment for present and future generations.”

The successful schemes are:

• Newtownabbey Civic Centre which won one of 50 Civic Trust Awards
• An Droichead, Nursery schools and Community Rooms and to Bunscoil Phobia Feirste, Primary School which won commendations
• The refurbishment and extension to Linen Hall Library which received a Mention.
Mr Cleland commended the Civic Trust for the work it had done since its establishment in 1957 to foster interest in and action for the conservation and improvement of the built environment.

The Awards scheme in Northern Ireland is organised by the Civic Trust in partnership with the Department of the Environment’s Planning Service.

The 2002 Civic Trust Awards focused on the Metropolitan areas within the UK.

(GMcG)