PEAK DISTRICT PROJECTS SHINE AT CHARITY'S COUNTRYSIDE AWARDS

Impressive modern architecture in Hathersage, a heroic Bakewell restoration project and a collection of illuminating cultural trails throughout the Peak District were the outstanding winners at last night's (29 November) Countryside Awards, hosted by the Campaign to Protect Rural England Peak District & South Yorkshire at the David Mellor Design Museum Hathersage.

Presented annually since 1982, the Countryside Awards are presented in two categories for schemes that respect and promote the special qualities of their area;

- Design - covering new-build projects, renovations, landscape reclamation initiatives etc and;

- Access & Enjoyment - rewarding schemes including interpretation, education projects and enhancement work.

"Far too much of rural England has lost its distinctiveness under an onslaught from inappropriate development and valued historic environment skills such as thatchers, drystone wallers, hedge-layers, sign writers, gate and stile makers etc are in short supply and in danger of being lost," explains chair of the Countryside Awards judging panel, Christopher Pennell. "CPRE fights these challenges which threaten the special qualities of the Peak District and South Yorkshire countryside but through the Countryside Awards is delighted to be able to celebrate the efforts of those aspiring to good design and enhancing the rural landscape."

Three full Awards were presented at the ceremony:

(Note to Editors: Images of all winners available in jpeg format on request – contact CPRE on tel: 0114 266 5822 or email steph@cprepeakandsyorks.org.uk)

• David Mellor Design Museum & Café, Hathersage – designed by Sir Michael Hopkins the museum showcases the work of renowned designers David and Corin Mellor. Sitting harmoniously in its surroundings, the building's simplicity and cleanness of line greatly impressed the judges.
• Bakewell Almshouses – recognised for the sensitive restoration of some of Bakewell's oldest buildings and the heroic rescue of the charity itself and the buildings themselves from ruin.
• Peak Experience – ten themed cultural trails linking locations and layers of time that stood out as beacons of good quality and well-designed interpretation which will capture visitor's imagination.

The non-traditional yet sympathetic shop conversion of Frederick's Gelateria in Bakewell was commended by the panel for the reclamation of a fading shop, the clever use of limited internal space and the creation on an architectural talking-piece.

Also commended was the Grenoside Village Plan for its substantial community effort in describing the qualities valued by its residents and its aim to establish sensible criteria and encourage good design.

Projects recognised at the ceremony illustrate what a positive contribution well-thought out and innovative design can make to the countryside, says CPRE Chief Executive Carol Robinson. CPRE is very pleased to reward and encourage further excellent schemes and firmly believes our countryside deserves such quality initiatives.