New bridges on a golf course, Ilkley Rugby Club’s new clubhouse, and improvement projects on Ilkley Moor were among projects commended at an annual design awards ceremony.

Ilkley Civic Society this year handed out commendations to building, redevelopment and environmental schemes completed in Ilkley over the past year in its annual awards scheme.

The commendations recognise projects which succeed in making a valuable contribution to the townscape of Ilkley or its surrounding landscape.

A total of 26 projects were nominated by members of the community, but only ten gained coveted commendations.

The society did not hand out any full design awards this year, available only for outstanding schemes which meet certain criteria.

Civic society president Graham May presented the commendations to those behind the projects in a ceremony at Church House, Ilkley, last Thursday night.

Chairman of Ilkley Civic Society, Helen Kidman, praised the winners for completing projects that all added in different ways to the town.

She said: “It is important also that the civic society recognises these positive contributions to encourage others to maintain high standards of design and conservation of the built and natural environment in Ilkley”

Commendations for environmental improvements went to Ilkley Golf Club, for the replacement of two ageing bridges on to the island section of its course and improvement projects carried out on Ilkley Moor, including upgraded footpaths and vegetation clearance, by Bradford Council and the Friends of Ilkley Moor.

Ilkley Rugby Club’s new stand and clubhouse, the largest project at this year’s ceremony, was commended for its design.

Long-established firm Davy Textiles gained a conservation commendation for its modern offices developed in the shell of the derelict Ilkley Cemetery mortuary building. The redevelopment of the Crescent Hotel, conserving the original frontage, also gained a conservation award, as did the refurbishment of the former Christian Science Church on Wells Road, refurbished by Candelisa as a business centre.

Projects which also received design commendations included an extension on South Parade in Ilkley, designed by Roost Architects, and the remodelling of a 1960s detached Ben Rhydding house.