Awards – Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Awards 2015
Newington Housing Association has scooped a Hat Trick of prestigious accolades at the RICS 2015 Northern Ireland Awards. These awards were presented at a gala event held in the Colluden Hotel on the 8th May 2015. These three awards were for the Parkside Phase of the Limestone Road regeneration.
RICS Award Best Regeneration Project
This project compromised the major regeneration of a brownfield site to provide housing fit for the 21st century living whilst preserving the heritage of the area. The scheme provides 37 high quality homes compliant with level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and with a flexibility of adaptation if required at a later date. The £3.8m project has achieved standards in relation to delivery and overall quality which have resulted in significant benefits to the area.
The Judges said:
“This innovative scheme by Newington Housing Association has brought about an astonishing transformation of one of the most volatile flashpoints in North Belfast. It was brought forward with buy-in from both sides of the sectarian divide, and developed without incident. Using very high sustainability standards, the scheme provides homes with flexible design that can adapt to changing needs of the occupants. As a result of the success of this scheme, redevelopment plans for the surrounding area are now regarded as capable of realisation.”
RICS Award Best Residential Project
This project comprised the major regeneration of a brownfield site to provide housing fit for the 21st century living whilst preserving the heritage of the area. The scheme provides 37 high quality homes complaint with level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and with a flexibility if adaptation if required at a later date. The £3.8m project has achieved standards in relation to delivery and overall quality which have resulted in significant benefits to the area.
The Judges said:
“Parkside is the second phase of an ambitious housing scheme located at a volatile sectarian interface, and was developed with high levels of cooperation between both sides of the local community. The scheme meets level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes while the exterior appearance matches the adjoining Area of Townscape Character with traditional red-brick walls and external features. The quality of design, the high standard of finishes, sensitive detailing and appropriate layout has restored the Limestone Road to what it once was – a desirable place to live.”
Project of the Year
This project compromised the major regeneration of a brownfield site to provide housing fit for 21st century living whilst preserving the heritage of the area. The scheme provides 37 high quality homes compliant with level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and with a flexibility of adaptation if required at a later date. The £3.8m project has achieved standards in relation to delivery and overall quality which have resulted in significant benefits to the area.
The Judges said:
“This innovative social housing project has achieved an impressive transformation of one of the most volatile flashpoints in North Belfast, using very high sustainability standards, the scheme provides homes with flexible design that can adapt to changing needs of the occupants. It combines excellence in design, construction, and sustainability standards with significant community benefit, and is a catalyst for further regeneration in the surrounding area. Parkside is a “shining beacon” example of what can be achieved in difficult circumstances, with innovation, good design and inspiration.”
Newington HA will now compete with projects throughout the UK in the RICS National Awards in October 2015.