The best of the borough’s construction projects and the teams working on them, were celebrated at the first Surrey Building Control Awards last week (Thursday 11 May 2023) at The Guildford Pavilion, Woodbridge Road Sportsground.
The aim of these new Awards is to recognise and reward the best construction projects and people working with Surrey’s Local Authority Building Control teams.
The judging panel reviewed a range of projects and talented individuals or teams that had worked with Surrey’s Building Control teams in 2022. They highlighted the strength of high quality workmanship across the projects; from simple extensions, complex barn conversions and new houses built on tricky terrain to larger, bolder housing developments and local authority housing schemes focusing on sustainability and lowering utility costs for residents. The nominations truly showcased the professional working relationships between the local building control teams and the project/client team.
Waverley was successful in the following categories:
WINNERS
Best quality workmanship – Best Builder – Craig Grover and team at Grover Building Services
Best quality workmanship – Best Architect – Ava O’Grady and team at C7 Architects
Best Site Manager – Clive Healey, Countryside Partnerships
Best New Local Authority Housing Development – Site B/now Laurel Close, Ockford Ridge, Godalming
Best Sustainable Development – Site B/now Laurel Close, Ockford Ridge, Godalming
Best Residential Extension – Starvelle Barn, Baynards
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Best public or community building: Hazelbank Stores, Ewhurst
Best individual new home – Treetop View, Farnham
Commenting on Site B/Laurel Close, Ockford Ridge, judges said:
“This development produced 17 superb, spacious and affordable homes. Following demolition of 14, 1930s small, energy-inefficient houses, the housing development team created 17 stylish affordable energy efficient homes in their place.
The project addressed resident needs, helps with fuel poverty, and delivers Waverley the council's net zero and biodiversity targets. Waverley Building Control balanced a sensible approach with the team, responding with speed to the contractor (Thakeham Homes) and developed a great working relationship.”
Waverley Borough Council's Co-Portfolio Holder for Housing (Operations), Councillor Paul Rivers, commented:
“It was a very successful event, bringing together construction professionals and homeowners celebrating the highest quality projects across Surrey and the local people who care passionately about the work they produce and go above and beyond for their customers.”
Waverley Borough Council’s Co-Portfolio Holder for Housing (Delivery), Councillor Nick Palmer added: “Waverley had the added bonus of winning two categories for projects delivered by our own Housing Development team at Ockford Ridge in Godalming, which was wonderful to see; one of these being for Best Sustainable Development which is a great reflection of our own goals to help tackle climate change in the borough.”
Image shows from left to right: WBC Housing Development Officer Mark Constable, WBC Housing Development Manager Louisa Blundell and television presenter Roger Bisby