The transformation of a historic art-deco Bus Station into an Innovation Hub for start-up businesses in Cumbria, UK has been announced as the overall winner at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) North West Awards for Planning Excellence.
NORR designed the redevelopment, led the design team and managed the planning submission process for the Bus Station, in partnership with BEC and Copeland Borough Council. The scheme also won in the Excellence in Planning for a Successful Economy and Excellence in Planning for Culture and Heritage categories at the ceremony on Friday [Nov 19].
The RTPI judges said, “The repurposing of Whitehaven’s Bus Station is an exemplar project that has been completed to a high standard despite a number of challenges. It has clearly been designed to meet the needs of the local community and has been delivered through an effective and successful partnership”.
“We are delighted with the recognition from the RTPI Awards for our Bus Station development. This local landmark and gateway building to the town of Whitehaven has been given a new lease of life because of the vision, commitment and successful collaboration to turn a decaying eyesore into a visionary building” says Robin Stewart, Project Associate. “It not only provides a vital hub for new business growth and diversifying the local economy, but creates a much-needed public meeting place and restaurant that celebrates local produce and has become a new ‘living and dining room’ for the Town”
Michael Pemberton, chief executive of BEC: “We are really proud of this achievement. It’s a culmination of dedicated people coming together, following a passion to make something happen in the town.”
The RTPI North West Awards for Planning Excellence highlight exceptional examples of projects such as having a positive impact on our quality of life in creating exceptional places and protecting our environment.
Further information on the project can be found here
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