A primary school’s extension, a treehouse walkway at the Nell Bank centre and a refurbished historic pub are among this year’s winners of awards recognising developments which contribute to the townscape of Ilkley.

With almost 30 nominations for its annual design awards this year, Ilkley Civic Society had the tough task of choosing which building developments and refurbishment projects have contributed most to the town.

This year, the society handed out four awards plus six commendations, in judging categories ranging from environmental improvement and conservation to new design.

Winners of award certificates included the Nell Bank Centre for its new treehouse walkway, Ashlands Primary School’s new extension, a contemporary house built in Ben Rhydding and the Flying Duck brew pub on Church Street.

Funded in part by the Lord Mayor’s appeal, the walkway at Nell Bank outdoor activity centre, Denton Road, is a walkway in the trees, designed for all abilities, featuring ramps up to a covered viewing platform, and many climbing routes and slides.

The society also gave an award to Ashlands Primary School’s extension which is built in the same architectural style as the original school, which was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.

It incorporates many environmental features that pupils can learn from and additional facilities including classrooms, a new entrance and ramp.

A second award in the design category went to a house in Ben Rhydding, designed by local architects, that incorporates very high insulation standards blended with more traditional design features.

The final award, for conservation, went to the Flying Duck public house – one of the oldest buildings in Ilkley – which was recently relaunched by a group of local businesspeople.

The work included the conversion of the small barn to the rear as a microbrewery.

Ilkley Civic Society chairman, Helen Kidman, said she was encouraged by the variety and quality of projects nominated for this year’s awards and pleased examples of good design and innovation could be found in Ilkley, even at a time when there are significant financial constraints.

Commendations went to: Bradford Council and Ilkley Parish Council for the new flagpole and seating area in the Riverside Memorial Gardens; to Tulchan on The Grove for the most improved shopfront; Toast House on Leeds Road for its sensitive refurbishment of an important shopfront; Tiempo hairdressers on South Hawksworth Street, who have completely refurbished the premises; Christchurch cottage, The Grove, a redundant building converted for offices and Ilkley Cycles for the refurbishment of the old chapel on Skipton Road.