Alnwick conversion scheme wins top planning award

The sensitive conversion of an historic church building in Alnwick has been recognised with an award from the UK's top planning body.

Isos Housing Group has redeveloped the historic St James Church Hall on Pottergate in Alnwick into nine apartments for affordable rent through, and now the scheme has picked up an award from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

The scheme - completed for just £932,000 - was commended for "effective joint working" with the Isos team working alongside no less than eight different partners and contractors.

The work on St James Church Hall has provided much-needed affordable housing for rent in the centre of Alnwick, as well as enabling the church itself to be refurbished and used by the community.

The hall is a stone-built building set within the grounds of a grade II listed church - all standing within a conservation area.

The RTPI said the building had been well converted, maintaining the hall's traditional features, including original stained glass windows.

Michael Farr, development director (delivery) for Isos Housing Group, said: "This award recognises the skill and attention to detail demonstrated by the Isos design team, and how closely they have worked with the officers at the former Alnwick District Council to convert this beautiful, historic building into apartments.
"I'm especially proud that Isos has won an RTPI award for the second year in succession. After being recognised for our new build work at Cleadon Park in South Tyneside last year, the team has now shown great versatility by preserving a piece of Northumberland's past."

The RTPI judges said they were impressed by how much the residents loved their apartments, which combine the retention of historic features with the provision of all modern amenities. The residents rent their apartments through NomadE5 Housing Association, a part of Isos Housing Group.

The full team behind the scheme included officers from the former Alnwick District Council, St James Church, Northumberland-based developer Countylife, architects Banyard Design, employers agent Elliott Associates, CDM coordinator Elliott Holmes Johnson, structural engineers 3E Consulting Engineers and principal contractor DP Builders.

The judges' report said: "The flexible use of planning powers, and effective joint working between a housing association, local developer, and an excellent professional team, have encouraged the provision of affordable housing, the retention of an historic building with a new use, and the refurbishment of the church.

The other North East project to be recognised by the RTPI this year was the new 'Berwick WorkSpace' building in the centre of Berwick upon Tweed.
The scheme was brought forward by the former Berwick upon Tweed Borough Council to provide high quality office space in the historic town.

Councillor Jim Smith is executive member for regeneration, housing and planning at Northumberland County Council. He said: "The fact that the joint winners of the 2009 North East Regional Awards Scheme are both projects developed in Northumberland is a fantastic testament to the quality of the built environment in the county.

"We congratulate Isos Housing, the former Alnwick District Council and partners for their award for the conversion of St James's Church Hall in Alnwick. The scheme has both retained an historic building and ensured the provision of much needed affordable housing."

Martin Willey, president of the RTPI, and leader of the UK's 2300 planners, said:: "In the current climate, the market towns that invest in innovation will not only survive, they will expand and grow. The WorkSpace scheme will provide a catalyst for the support and growth of small companies that can sustain and expand the local economy - and they will do so in an outstanding and very well done building."