BURA has named six projects as winners of the BURA Awards for Best Practice in Regeneration 2009.
BURA’s Chair Jackie Sadek congratulated all the winners:
“In a tough year for the sector, I am thrilled that the Awards for Best Practice in Regeneration are recognising six schemes that are not only weathering the storm, but doing it in style. These projects are leading the way in regeneration and offer lessons that reach far across the sector. I look forward to meeting all the winners and congratulating them at what promises to be a fantastic celebration in January.”
The winners this year are a diverse group of projects that combine regeneration with areas such as heritage, the natural environment, arts and education. Once again the awards have shown that best practice can be found in projects both big and small; one winner is a ward-based partnership while others have transformed swathes of their cities.
This year’s winners are:
- Liverpool ONE, Liverpool
- Middlesbrough College at Middlehaven, Tees Valley
- The Playhouse, Londonderry
- Renewing the Routes, Belfast
- St Peter’s Partnership, Ashton-u-Lyne
- The Welsh Highland Railway
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said "I am delighted to again provide sponsorship for the BURA awards which recognise best practice in regeneration. Of course I am especially proud to see that two NI projects have been successful this year which demonstrates that NI continues to forge ahead, creating successful partnerships to deliver high quality projects which make a difference to the people on the ground."
As project sponsor, DSD, has applauded the success of the Renewing the Routes programme . Elaine Wilkinson, the Department's Director of Regeneration in Belfast said, "It is hugely rewarding to be involved in a project like Renewing the Routes, which, like the best urban regeneration initiatives, has turned out to be so much more than the sum of its parts."
Leighton Andrews, Deputy Minister for Regeneration, said the hardworking team at The Welsh Highland Railway were worthy winners:
“This project illustrates the importance of the third sector to the local economy and how their enthusiasm and hard work can be channelled to bring real benefits to local communities. Tourism is an extremely important sector in Wales and this provides a particularly attractive and sustainable way for visitors and residents to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. It is an ambitious project but the potential rewards are significant with Wales having the longest heritage railway in Britain”
The achievement of the projects despite the background of difficult economic conditions has been recognised by the award’s four sponsors: the Scottish Government, the Homes and Communities Agency, the Welsh Assembly Government’s Department for the Economy and Transport and the Department for Social Development, Northern Ireland.
Trevor Beattie, director of strategy and policy, of the Homes and Communities Agency said:
“I would like to congratulate all the winners who have proved that despite tough economic times, it is possible to maintain standards and deliver top quality schemes. It is important to remember that these regeneration projects are usually long term, complex endeavours, that face many challenges, which can be physical, social and economic. So to create such award winning projects is an inspiration to the industry.”
The variety of schemes recognised set a benchmark for best practice across the public, private and community sectors of regeneration. All winners will be honoured at the prestigious ceremony being held in London on the 5th March, 2010.
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Naomi Galt
FD
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