AWARD FOR THE NOTHE FORT AND ITS RESTORATION

 

The recently completed conservation project at the Nothe Fort has been awarded a prestigious architectural award. The extensive and thoughtful improvements and restoration works have triumphed in the conservation category of the regional awards of the Royal Institute of British Architects. The three million pound project also funded safety fencing, waterproofing, a cinema area and lecture rooms for school and college groups.

Jury chairman Jeremy Gould said: ‘The whole scheme has an ambition which encompasses conservation, history, and local history which is both ancient and modern’.

The project was funded by a £2.4 million Lottery Grant, £600,000 from Fort staff and volunteers and £150,000 from Weymouth Civic Members.

 

Contact  Nothe Fort Tel: 01305 766626   Visit www.nothefort.org.uk 

 

News and Project List

HERITAGE HEROES

Those running the Fort restoration project are very proud that it has received an award from the Built Heritage Section of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s annual Heritage Heroes awards for 2008

This page updated

December 2009

 

 

See YouTube films about the King George III Statue by member Stuart Morris

 

http://uk.youtube.com/

      watch?v=tirDcoF-G4E

 

And

http://uk.youtube.com/

  watch?v=gWfeOojVsWY

THE ANNUAL AWARD

 

WEYMOUTH BAY METHODIST CHURCH,  MELCOMBE AVENUE –NEW CHURCH BUILDING

Some years after the devastating fire that reduced the Maiden Street church to a shell, a new building has been completed on a site in Melcombe Avenue, for the former congregations of both the Maiden Street and Newstead Road churches. The exterior is  designed to sit well in a residential area, using appropriate materials of red brick with contrasting stone features, while the interior, in contrast, is contemporary in style.  Solid oak is used extensively.  The building sits back behind a landscaped frontage with a ‘lych gate’ at the entrance.  The versatile interior includes the main Sanctuary area, as well as several other rooms, and the premises can be used by the general public for meetings or performances. This is considered a well constructed, thoughtfully designed new building, attractively landscaped, in harmony with its surroundings, and providing excellent community facilities in the impressive interior.

Project carried out by:    Weymouth Bay Methodist Church

Architects:                      Saunders Architects                          

Main Contractors:          Acheson Construction

 

SPECIAL CERTIFICATE OF MERIT

 

NEWTON’S COVE FOOTBRIDGE

A new footbridge has been constructed to replace the old concrete bridge built in the 1930s, which was badly deteriorating.  There had been great public concern when the County Council had let it be known that it would have to remove the bridge altogether, owing to lack of funds, to be replaced with ramps down to Newton’s Road.  Not only is it a valuable amenity for local residents, connecting the Bincleaves open space with the Nothe Gardens, but it is also a link on the South West Coast Path.  Fortunately, following a campaign by residents, supported by the Civic Society, the County Council found the necessary finance and agreed to replace the bridge, to the delight of local people.

The new bridge is constructed of steel, with open rails, incorporating interesting artistic features.  This is a very welcome replacement of the old and deteriorating footbridge with a new structure of light and elegant appearance, appropriate to its setting, enhancing the approach to the sea, and restoring the important Coast Path link.

Project carried out by:  Dorset County Council  

Artist:                           Chris Tipping

 

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT

 

PORTLAND MARINA BUILDINGS, OSPREY QUAY

The new 560-berth marina, built and operated by Dean and Reddyhoff, has been constructed on a site in Portland Harbour close to the National Sailing Centre.  It will form part of the venue for the 2012 Olympic Games.  The two main buildings are the marina administration /reception building and the pub/restaurant, both in a simple contemporary design with sweeping shallow-pitched  roofs.   

Land has been reclaimed from the harbour, and the buildings are in an open landscaped setting with a new public promenade and cycleway around the shoreline in front of them, continuing the harbourside walkway from Portland Castle.  Three wind turbines on the site assist in generating energy for the complex.  In summary, these are considered by the Society to be striking modern buildings, well constructed to a high standard of design, with attractive landscaping, all reflecting the contemporary maritime scene.

Project carried out by:   Dean and Reddyhoff

Designed by:                Atkins Design                       

Main Contractors:         G & H Construction

 

 

COMMENDATIONS

 

31 ICEN ROAD –

RECONSTRUCTION OF BUNGALOW TO FORM NEW HOUSE

This fine new house has resulted from the reconstruction of a sadly neglected old bungalow, on its original footprint, and retaining the ground floor walls.    An additional storey has been built above, of timber construction with weatherboarding, which gives the house an attractive and more contemporary appearance, while the original design and steep roof pitch of the bungalow has been maintained in the new house.  A well-landscaped new garden has been created from what was a heavily overgrown and bramble-choked site.  The whole has greatly enhanced the ambience of this residential road.

Owners:                    Mr and Mrs Peter and Kathy Maybery

Plans Prepared by:   David Crosland

Construction by:       Birch House Construction

 

 

‘AQUA’, 35 GREENHILL  -  NEW HOUSE

This large new residence is situated in an important location overlooking the sea, at the junction of Greenhill with Melcombe Avenue.  It replaces a previous Edwardian house which had been subject to severe structural problems.  The design is in Art Deco style, reminiscent of some seaside houses of the 1930s, of two to three storeys with white rendered walls, and tower features.  It is considered to be a striking, well-designed new house of clean modern appearance, which makes a contribution to the seaside setting and the varied character of the Greenhill Conservation Area.

Owner:                              Mr Steven Palmer

Architectural Design by:    P. Dean Associates.

Construction by:                Palmer Homes

 

‘THE FULL GAMUT’,  55A CHICKERELL ROAD –

NEW CAFÉ/GALLERY,  AND NEW EXTENSION ABOVE

This is located in Chickerell Road, at the end of a terrace of houses, alongside the former railway arch and embankment of what is now the Rodwell Trail   This project is commended for the attractive new café and gallery created from a formerly derelict shop unit.  The new extension over the shop, of appropriate design for the period and with  attention paid to detail, improves the end elevation of the terrace, and the whole brings new life to a previously run-down property and enhances the area.  The outside space has been much improved, including new railings, and a small seating area has been created at the front.

Curator:                                                     Ms Kimberley Mackeown

Plans and Construction Work by Owner:  Mr Paul Mackeown.

 

LETTERS OF APPRECIATION

 

CAVENDISH LODGE,  29 GREENHILL  - 

RENOVATION AND CONVERSION TO APARTMENTS

This traditionally styled residence has been re-modelled and converted to four apartments, with a thoughtfully designed extension at the rear  While maintaining the character of the house, improvements have been made to all the elevations, including  new windows, rendered walls with new half-timbering, and the re-opening of a balcony above the front porch.  The whole has made an enhanced contribution to the Conservation Area.

Owner:                               Mrs Margaret Burgess

Architectural Design by:    Turner Associates

Construction Work by:       Phil Laming & Sons

 

GLOUCESTER LODGE,  85 THE ESPLANADE  -

REMOVAL OF VERANDA FROM FRONT ELEVATION

An unsuitable, large and long covered veranda, which extended across most of the frontage of this historic building, has been removed, thereby revealing the original character of the former royal residence.  This has now opened up to view both of the pair of Venetian windows, while other window openings, which had been converted to doorways, have had their windows restored.  The attractive front courtyard has been opened up and enhanced, forming a much improved setting for this important building. 

Project Carried Out for:       Enterprise Inns

Architectural Design by:      Quay Design Associates

 

THE COAL MERCHANT’S COTTAGE, 29 HORSFORD STREET   RENOVATION

This attractive terraced cottage has been restored to good decorative order, with careful attention to detail and period features.  Externally, new sash windows and a new small porch and doorframe have been designed and constructed to replicate the originals, which had suffered from rot.  Much internal work has also been carried out.  The sign has been re-painted, and the whole retains the pleasant appearance of this cottage at the corner of Horsford Street.

Owner:   Mr and Mrs A. James

 

WESTHAM CHILDREN’S CENTRE,  RADIPOLE LANE –   NEW BUILDING

 

This new Children’s Centre has been built  in the grounds of Conifers School, to provide a range of services for pre-school children in Westham, operating as a satellite site to the main  Surestart Centre in Weymouth.  Accommodation is also provided for the Little Firs Nursery.  The building is designed to echo the character of the main building on the site – Conifers School – with a curving roof extending out beyond the walls to provide shelter from rain. This is a building of attractive modern design in a pleasant landscaped setting, complementing the adjacent Conifers Primary School.

Project by:              Dorset County Council

Users of Building:   Weymouth & Portland Children’s Centres,

                               and  Little Firs Day Nursery.

 

THE ‘ROCK’, AND ORCHARD MEWS,  ABBOTSBURY ROAD –

REFURBISHMENT OF PUB AND CONSTRUCTION OF 6 HOUSES

The Rock Hotel, designed by G. R. Crickmay, dates from 1880.  Over the years it had become run-down and was threatened with closure.  However, it was purchased by Victoria Inns, who re-opened it following a major refurbishment in 2007.  This is considered a welcome regeneration of a traditional local pub, retaining original features, with a pleasant patio created to the rear. 

As part of the original development proposals, a terrace of six houses has been built in the former grounds of the pub, fronting Abbotsbury Road.  These are designed to closely reflect the red-brick and tile-hung character of the hotel and to fit in with their surroundings.

Owners:                                      Victoria Inns   (The Rock)

Developer of Houses:                 Coastal Developments (UK)

Main Architectural Design:     Coe Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEYMOUTH CIVIC SOCIETY ANNUAL AWARDS 2009

See ‘About Us’ for the winners’ comments.