ILKLEY Civic Society presented its annual awards to local businesses, organisations and individuals on March 22 at All Saints Church in Ilkley.

This year the society presented eight commendation certificates and one award to a wide variety of projects, all of which had succeeded in making a valuable contribution to improving the townscape of Ilkley or its surrounding landscape.

Projects, some in small spaces to help us around the town and some very large spaces to keep us fit made up the wide range of subjects we had to consider.

Chairman of Ilkley Civic Society Helen Kidman commented noted :"The continued high number of entries to the competition showing the interest in the town by those wishing to make changes to property they are responsible for."

Certificates were presented to the following projects by Cllr Steve Butler, chairman of Ilkley Parish Council:

An Award, the highest level of recognition was presented to Ben Rhydding Sports Club for two major improvements to its facilities in the last 12 months. Firstly, a new all weather hockey pitch has been installed and secondly a new 3G artificial turf football pitch. Both have protective fencing and new floodlighting which has been specifically designed to reduce light pollution and ensure only the pitches are illuminated. This reduces the confusion caused to wildlife and reduces electricity demand with the use of LED systems. The new facilities have resulted in considerable increased usage by both young and adult sports enthusiasts during the day and evening. Local architects Richard Dawson and Sense of Space where both involved in designing different aspects of the project.

Conservation Commendation (for work on historic buildings or structures):

• A single commendation in this category was given for the conversion of the old Yorkshire Bank on Brook Street into two new retail units with traditional shop fronts and the introduction of ‘over the shop’ living with seven apartments. The project has maintained the historic frontage of the building above the shops at the front and added a modern extension in traditional materials to the rear. KPP architects from Horsforth designed the project.

Design Commendations(for new build projects):

• A new house constructed in traditional Victorian style in a gap in the street scene just south of the town centre where a contemporary design may have been out of place. The use of high quality stonework, slate roofing and traditional timber windows all enhance this property.

• The Pie House behind Lishmans butchers is a complete contrast to the first commendation in that it is a very contemporary design. It replaces an ugly brick building and has provided much improved facilities for the company’s baked products.

• The Studio has been constructed within the garden space of a Victorian property in west Ilkley, and provides home working facilities for the owners. Local architects (Overtons) have created a contemporary building utilising stone and a green roof that sits well behind the boundary walls. Construction by Woolers of Keighley.

• The bungalow, a former agricultural building has been rebuilt as a flat roof single storey residential building sitting in a historic setting but utilising traditional and contemporary materials in its design. Built by family builders Greenbank’s.

Environmental Improvement (projects that enhance the townscape or surroundings of Ilkley):

• Cafe J Reserve on The Grove has created an outside seating area using traditional materials (stone paving) and a lightweight steel structure for railings around the area. The project includes level access to the outside area. Local builders were Gary and Sam Proctor.

• Terraced house refurbishment has retained traditional features including wooden doors and windows and recreated a small garden area at the front with railings around it. It demonstrates how relatively small changes can improve the streetscape.

• Signing the way - many of Ilkley’s street name signs have become almost unreadable due to lack of maintenance. Ilkley Parish Council have commenced a project to remove, clean, repaint and re-erect the signs to help us all, locals and visitors, find their way around the town. Twenty-two signs have currently been refurbished by Blast Coat Signs of Ilkley, and more may be done.

Cllr Steve Butler closed the evening and said: "It was an honour to be asked to present the prizes by the Civic Society, one of the most important groups in Ilkley. The high quality and range of work shows what can be done with some thought and effort. This should be recognised and encouraged for the good of the town."