The Civic Trust Awards 2004

The refurbishment of historic buildings in Dudley town centre has won national recognition for outstanding architecture and environmental design.

Dudley Council’s reinstatement of 19 to 21 Stone Street into shops and flats was one of 70 UK schemes held up as shining examples of new architecture, restorations, town planning, landscapes and public art in the 2004 Civic Trust Awards.

The renovation of the grade 2 listed 18th century properties was grant aided by Dudley Council and English Heritage (EH). They jointly covered 50% of the repair costs after the Priory Street Conservation Area was chosen by EH as a national pilot of for its Heritage Economic Regeneration Schemes.

It was completed in partnership with Prime Focus Regeneration Group, which now owns the properties. The Civic Trust award recognises the quality of the refurbishment and the complex process of transforming them into shops and flats. This involved considerable input from the council’s historic environment team (led by Peter Boland and Peter King) and from Geoff Bowman, Prime Focus Regeneration Group’s architect.

There were more than 400 entries to this year’s scheme and judges said standards were particularly high. They were not only looking for design excellence but projects that benefited their local communities or environment.

Rear of 19-20 Stone Street before restoration

Peter Quinn, executive director at Prime Focus Regeneration Group, said:

"This scheme represents an excellent example of partnership working between a housing association and forward thinking organisations such as Dudley Council and English Heritage. The development provides much needed affordable accommodation as well as creating jobs and opportunities for new businesses in the town centre".

Rear of 19-20 Stone Street after restoration

Mary King, English Heritage's regional director, added:

"I am delighted the Stone Street project has won this national recognition. It is a great reward for all the hard work and energy staff from Dudley Council, Prime Focus Regeneration Group and English Heritage have put into the project. The Stone Street scheme demonstrates how top quality architecture and design can benefit an area and how the sensitive management of historic buildings can boost local regeneration."

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