"We had more entries than ever this year with a good mix of traditional and contemporary buildings, which made the judges' job in selecting the winners extremely hard. From a conservation perspective it was immensely pleasing to see such a high level of craftsmanship throughout all of the building trades, but especially in respect of the various historic buildings where the skills in the use of traditional materials is key. Well done to everyone involved and special congratulations to our winners."
The overall Gold Award Winner was Davaar House, Docking. The judging panel commented: "Davaar House stood out for the panel. It is an exceptional scheme which not only has high environmental sustainability credentials, but is also a clever and distinctive design that sits comfortably on its plot and takes advantage of the views afforded by the surrounding countryside".
Cllr Nick Daubney, Mayor of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, said: "The awards ceremony was a great evening, a suitable celebration of our push for better design and innovation and construction standards across our borough. We've worked closely with architects, contractors, developers, and their clients to achieve this aim, and we are glad to reward buildings and schemes that illustrate this focus on quality and innovation.
"I was very pleased to present the Mayor's Special Award, which was instituted for this tear's awards. I felt it was needed as there was no particular category to recognise a scheme or building that hadn't changed much in appearance, but has had an immense impact on the 'story' of the area. Goldings Public House and Rooms has achieved this magnificently, and we wanted to recognise the effort that has gone into the scheme. The renovation of the building has transformed the use and atmosphere of the Saturday Market Place, improving the impression it makes on residents and visitors to King's Lynn, and the pleasure they take in it".
All this year’s entries have been scrutinised by the judging panel, which comprises The Mayor, Cllr Vivienne Spikings, chair of the Planning Committee, Cllr Mick Peak, vice-chair of the Planning Committee, Stuart Ashworth, Assistant Director Environment and Planning and Pam Lynn, Conservation Officer.
The winners of the 2018 Mayor's Design Awards are:
Community Schemes
Winner – SPAR Shop, Castle Acre
Residential Extensions
Winner – Larks Rise, Castle Rising
Single New Build Properties
Winner – Davaar House, Docking
Conversion Schemes
Winner – GroundWorks Gallery, King’s Lynn
Listed Building Schemes
Winner – Snowre Hall, Fordham
Small Residential Groups
Winner – Queen Street, King’s Lynn
Craftsmanship
Winner – Snowre Hall, Fordham
Gold Award
Winner - Davaar House, Docking
Mayors Special Award
Winner – Goldings, Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn