Warwickshire News Mine

The SCALA Civic Building of the Year Award is a celebration of the cream of public sector architecture.

The aim is to inspire and promote the high quality of work carried out in the public sector and as evidence of the depth of design and management skills available to create such stylish and practical solutions.

Public buildings from London to Edinburgh competed for the Society of Chief Architects of Local Authorities award for Civic Building of the Year 2010.

And of all the entries, North Leamington School is the SCALA Civic Building of the Year 2010. A glass plaque - to be mounted on the winning building - and certificates were presented to representatives of the delivery team at the SCALA annual Presidents Dinner.

North Leamington School Headteacher David Hazeldine, said: “Parents, carers and all friends of NLS will appreciate that this award represents a tremendous achievement by the whole team associated with the designing and building of the new school.

“In the early days of designing the school the students, parents and local residents were fully consulted about the plans, and I believe that the award is a just reward for what has been a model of a successful community project.”

Tony Phillips, Warwickshire County Council’s Senior Project Manager, Rick Brown Assistant Head Teacher North Leamington School, and Dawn Spicer, Project Architect Robotham Architecture, received the award on behalf of the county council.

The competition was judged by experts in design, generally architects leading the development of buildings for the public sector. The award is the latest in a series of recognitions for the quality of the project having previously achieved BREEAM Excellent level of Sustainability, a Silver Award from Considerate Constructors, and a Design Award winner from the Forum for Constructing Excellence.

North Leamington School was up against entries from England, Scotland and Wales, but was victorious and praised for, the quality of its design, for its sustainability, its aesthetics, and its functionality, developed in close collaboration with all stakeholders and users. The judges were also particularly impressed by the way the design had inspired such a positive response from the users.

Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Resources, said: “This award would not have been possible without great teamwork. Right from the project board to the craftsmen, everyone has worked hard to make North Leamington School a gem. I’d like to thank everyone for facing the challenges and for their contributions.”

Cllr Heather Timms, the county council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families, said: “This is a fantastic achievement. North Leamington School has set a benchmark for school design and I’m delighted to see this national recognition.”

Link to WCC