The accolades were for the Best Refurbishment Project over £3m and a Craftmanship Award. The scheme also received a Highly Commended nomination in the David Mackay Award for Engineering and Sustainability category.
Cocksedge Building Contractors were also Highly Commended in the Contractors Award Category, celebrating the commitment and skill of the project delivery team.
Submissions are taken from the entire Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Area with awards for new buildings, alterations, extensions and restorations which all highlight the talent of the workforce behind each project Projects are judged against set criteria which includes building briefs, design solutions, construction quality, energy performance and environmental concerns.
One of the judges said: “The project needed to apply a vast range of craft skills due to its size, complexity and multi-faceted nature. The Mill Lane complex presented huge challenges, and we were awed and impressed by the quality, detailing, diversity and beauty of what has been created. We particularly commend the recycling of materials, including timber and brick; the careful sourcing of new timber; the fact that where possible, historic features have been left to add character and personality; and the clever integration of new features, such as the forged grille at the street entrance.”
Another commented: “Reusing the historic but muddled Mill Lane site, the project has found new uses for old buildings, created new gardens drawing on the character of those on the College’s main site, and created a stunning new performance/teaching/gathering space in the repurposing of Emmanuel Church and the former School House, now a stunningly beautiful foyer. We very much like the new entry from the street, which is a public thoroughfare and the careful, understated connection made to the main college entrance over the road.”
