Weymouth Civic Society

Awards - 2011

Certificates of Merit

Commendations

Letters of Appreciation

SOMERSET HOUSE AND LODGE, GREENHILL

The former Greenhill Hotel, which was in a badly run-down condition, has been sympathetically converted to four spacious apartments, with a separate town house newly built beside it.  The original mid-19th century main house, understood to have been the summer residence of the Duke of Somerset, has been skilfully restored.  

 The ogee-roofed balcony has been largely reconstructed and its decorative iron railings refurbished, the main roof of the house, windows etc. thoroughly restored, and features including the ornate cornices retained and fully renovated.  The internal layout has been carefully designed to keep the original central stone staircase.  The new town house adjacent to it - Somerset Lodge - blends well with the late Regency character of the main building.

Developers:  ZeroC Holdings Limited

Architects:  Trinity Architecture Ltd. and Working Group

Main Contractors: Melcombe Regis Construction Ltd.

NEW COMMUNITY FIRE STATION, RADIPOLE LANE

The old fire station on North Quay has been replaced by a striking new building of innovative modern design, constructed on the site of the former Westhaven School.  There is a pleasing relationship between the various elements of the whole structure, with areas of glazing contrasting with white walls, the whole capped by an undulating roof line.

 Built to house the new Fire and Rescue Centre, it also has an educational function, incorporating the Community Safety Centre, with 'Fire Wise' - a live fire demonstration facility, as well as various function rooms for more general community use, and a café.  Altogether it provides a valuable amenity and brings the emergency services closer to the community.

Project Carried Out for   Dorset Fire Authority

Architects:   Re-Format

Main Contractors:  Morgan Sindall Construction

67 AND 67A GREAT GEORGE STREET

This new building, which combines a shop unit with an apartment above, is constructed on one of the open areas at the rear of the Frederick Place properties.  This well-mannered new building has been carefully designed to reflect the late Georgian character of nearby buildings, thus helping to create a new street frontage in harmony with them.  With slated mansard roof, attractive brickwork and pleasantly detailed windows and shopfront, it has resulted in a notable improvement in the local street scene.

Project Carried out by:  Michael Burt

Architectural Design by  P. Dean Associates

75 THE ESPLANADE

This listed building is part of the important early 19th century Royal Terrace, at the centre of the Esplanade, fronting the King's Statue.  While many houses in this terrace have been drastically altered from their original character, a number of properties have recently been restored, setting an example which it is to be hoped others will follow.

 With finely made replacement sliding sash windows, and a thorough refurbishment of the frontage and balcony, the true Georgian appearance of Number 75 has been restored, making a welcome contribution to the gradual improvement of this historic Esplanade terrace.

Project Carried out for:  Mr A. Featherstone

Architectural Design by: Turner Associates

Building Contractors:  David R. White Building Services Ltd.

THE SHIP INN, CUSTOM HOUSE QUAY

The historic Ship Inn by the harbourside has a late 20th century extension, which was built in a dull brown brick with brown woodwork.  Now this has been transformed, with an attractive rendered and colour-washed exterior, harmonising well with the original early 17th century inn, also repainted.  The windows of the extension have been opened up to ground floor, bringing more light to the interior.  A new projecting timber-clad gable has added interest and broken up the long length of the extension.  

 Combined with an overall refurbishment, and with a widened pavement, setting off the building, these alterations have created a pleasant and welcoming venue, enhancing the traditional harbourside scene.

Project Carried Out for:  Hall & Woodhouse Ltd.

Architectural Design by: Greenline Design Ltd.

Building Contractors:  Blacknoll Ltd.

SPECIAL COMMENDATION

THE GOVERNOR'S GARDEN, GROVE, EASTON, PORTLAND

An extensive area of gardens lies opposite the entrance of the Young Offenders Institution on Portland.   Originally attached to the prison governor's residence, they had been allowed to deteriorate to a neglected state.  Now, they have been leased to the Portland Community Partnership as a community open space and opened up for the enjoyment of the general public.   

  The gardens have been restored by an extensive community effort involving many participants, and now provide an attractive and peaceful amenity, botanical value, and a recreational and educational venue for schools and other groups. In addition the are a useful source of horticultural produce and offer valuable work experience for those discharging community service orders.

Project Carried Out for:  Portland Community Partnership

In Liaison with:   Dorset Coast and Countryside

   HM Young Offenders Institution

   Portland Gas Trust

   The National Probation Service

PAVEMENT WIDENING, THE ESPLANADE

As part of an ongoing series of works to the Esplanade, the pavements on the landward side, from Marks and Spencer to the Alexandra Gardens have been substantially widened.  This has enhanced the setting of the listed historic buildings, while allowing much more comfortable sitting-out areas for the seafront cafes, and providing a more pleasant and open space for pedestrians.

Project carried out by:  Weymouth and Portland Borough Council

SUDAN ROAD BRIDGE

This is  one of the railway bridges of the former line to Portland, now the Rodwell Trail.  It crosses over Sudan Road near Old Castle Road.  Tree roots had grown into the masonry of this historic Victorian  brick arch, causing it to bulge and crack, with extensive damage.  The structure had to be carefully opened up and partly dismantled before restoration.  It has now been sensitively repaired and refurbished, with careful choice of brickwork to blend with the original.

Project carried out for Weymouth & Portland Borough Council in liaison with Dorset County Council
Building Contractor:  E. C. G. Belt

WEYMOUTH PAVILION

The Borough Council was commended on the greatly enhanced appearance of the Pavilion Theatre frontage, in particular the replacement of the former unsightly 'Noddy house' porch.  In addition, the large black advertising hoardings have been removed, new signage put up, and the frontage widened, with plants and café seating outside.  This indication of the Council's commitment to the regeneration of this important landmark building is welcome.

SPECIAL COMMENDATION FOR PRACTICAL ARTISTRY

CARVED PANELS IN PARK ROAD, EASTON

Three large and skilfully carved panels, depicting aspects of Portland life, are set within the walling at the approach to the new Tesco store at Easton which has been constructed on the site of the old Bath and Portland stoneworks.  

 Measuring 2m x1m and weighing over half a tonne each, these detailed carved panels depict the history, culture and work of the people of Portland.  They show images of Portland Bill with the lighthouses and a derrick, the historic work of the island, with a stone saw and traction engine, and the people of Portland, from historic photographs. The panels are set in Tesco's attractively designed boundary wall, with planted shrub borders. The whole combines to enhance and enliven the scene at the approach to the new superstore.

  All three panels were designed by master stonemason John Goodliffe, a past student at Weymouth College's stonemasonry department, who was assisted in the carving of the panels by two students, all carried out on College premises where others were able to watch their progress.

Design and Carving of Panels by John Goodliffe, assisted by Peter Loizou and Ian Chalmers

Under the auspices of Weymouth College. Project commissioned for  Tesco plc

Site layout designed by Mountford Pigott. Developers Chelverton Deeley Freed

Other Projects Commended during the year

THE QUEENS HOTEL, KING STREET

The Society offered its congratulations on the thoughtful and well-researched refurbishment of the Queens Hotel near the railway station.  In particular, its public rooms on the ground floor have been thoroughly restored, with great care taken to re-create its original Art-Deco character, including in particular restoring the individually designed fire-places, the whole enhanced by fine, lively murals adding interest and verve.

WEYMOUTH TOWN CLOCK

We congratulated the Borough Council on the excellent work carried out in the restoration of the Jubilee Clock, which now looks resplendent with its new gilding and fresh paintwork.