Civic Awards

Civic Award Ceremony 2009

Members and Guests of the Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society enjoyed afternoon tea at Healing Manor on Saturday 28th March 2009 as the winners of the 2008 Civic Awards were announced.

The majority of the awards were nominated by Society members, with the final winners decided by the executive committee. The judging was not easy, and it is fair to say that each nomination was a recognition of the regard in which the citizens of North East Lincolnshire hold these buildings.

In conjunction with our own three awards, the Grimsby Telegraph ran a readers' award, and the first plaque was presented by the Telegraph's Peter Craig to the winner.

Opened in 1937 and designed by the Cleethorpes Borough Engineer, Leonard Watson Pye, the former Electricity Board Showroom (or YEB shop) is now Twinkles. Prominent at the approach to Isaacs Hill with its rounded concrete turret, the shop and upstairs ballroom maintain original features such as stainless steel window frames and Art Deco stained glass windows.

The award was collected by the owner, Kath Summers.

The Civic Society awards were given in three categories; Architectural, recognising outstanding architectural design Restoration, recognising exceptional sympathetic restoration work Environmental, recognising ecological or sustainable technology in construction or the outstanding enhancement of public places.

It is hoped that these awards will recognise and celebrate outstanding Achievements in the built environment and open spaces of our local area.

Civic Architecture Award:

Winner: Boaters Beach Restaurant, Cleethorpes

"Lovely curves, attractive colour, large windows to give fuller view of the estuary. A unique waterfall wall, a very spacious and light establishment. Curves reminiscent of 30's design that complements the ice-cream parlours further down the road." Members comment

Runners Up:

Haven Mill "Great use of the existing structures in this ancient riverside space." Bar Racuda "Wonderful use of a long time derelict waste ground." "Cutting edge design reflecting the name of the bar. Eye-pleasing details in modern materials."

Peoples Park Building "Built with funding from Heritage Lottery Fund and North East Lincolnshire Council, its unique design complements this public open space with its organic, sculptured appearance giving the park a truly modern feel." Members comments

Civic Restoration Award

Recognising exceptional sympathetic restoration work

Winner: Abbeygate Shopping Centre, Grimsby

"A derelict brewery for many years, the restoration has been kept to the individual style that looks more in keeping with the surrounding architecture.."

"A beautiful restoration of the area providing Grimsby with prestigious shopping and socialising facilities." Members comments

The award was collected by Malcolm Hoole (3rd from right)

Runners Up

Amishi, High Street, Cleethorpes

"The careful use of stained glass imagery maintains the art deco theme, the whole frontage cleverly combining the needs of modern customers with the ambience and ethos of former times. It is well thought out and executed."

Haven Mill

"Nicely done restoration housing a popular restaurant and bar."

Scartho Hall

"..it is a privilege to have this lovely building in our midst and I know it is admired by many. It is an eye catching feature with an open vista..ideally enhanced by the famous blue spruce fir which was professionally and successfully moved to its present location for us all to admire." Members Comments

Civic Environmental Award

Recognising ecological or sustainable technology in construction or the outstanding enhancement of public open spaces.

Winner: The Chocolate Lounge, Scartho

"It now contains a sparkle to match the central tree, shinning windows, a lovely welcome, and a place to sit and talk. Over the years - the edge of a farm, a police box and toilets! Who would have thought that chocolates could find such a nice wrapping?"

"From public loos to elegant coffee shop, recycling at its best." Members' Comments

The award was collected by Louise Rendall, seen here with Ernie Brown and Paul Genney

Runners Up

People's Park

"With funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and North East Lincolnshire Council, the recent investment... (has turned) ... an underused, sometimes scary public space into the jewel in the crown of Great Grimsby"

Rod Dean collects on behalf of North East Lincs Council

Weelsby Woods

"The lions at the entrance have been well restored. The woods remain a beautiful public open space with improvements to the children's play area providing a family friendly area. Pleasant all year walking trails."

The Adopted Wildlife Garden, Sponsored by Bursar Street School. Pier Gardens, Cleethorpes

"Excellent and well designed "green" leisure and educational facility in a location popular with visitors." Members' comments

Chairman Paul Genney commented, "Overall a wonderful afternoon beautifully organised and presented by Jacquie and Ernie Brown, enjoyed by members and their guests, and an encouragement to projects of excellence in our area." and added, "It will be repeated. The 'Civic Oscars' will become a regular event. We look forward to the next presentation."

Screen lent by Meniscus and Focus 7