Regeneration Project Award
This award will recognise a local authority regeneration project that has been completed within budget and has improved the living and working conditions of residents and the local business community.
2010 Winner: Corby Parkland Gateway Phase 1
Corby, a former industrial town in Northamptonshire of 55,000 residents, has ended years of under investment with a comprehensive regeneration programme with environmental sustainability at its core. Phase 1 of the Parkland Gateway project has achieved considerable success in breathing new life into the area, and preparing its population for future expansion.
The £60m Corby Cube, is a multi-purpose, landmark building called the Civic Hub which is a focal point for local information and services. The hi-tech Corby Cube houses a new library, a restaurant and a 445-seat theatre, the first in the world to be BREEAM rated 'Excellent'. In addition, the five-storey building provides a one-stop shop for council services, an outdoor cafe area and a rooftop garden. The 200 space car park and the public realm serving it has ‘pop up’ electrical supplies to facilitate outdoor events. Public investment has stimulated private sector redevelopment of the retail centre.
Corby's new railway station (pictured right) was opened in February 2009, and provides a direct link through to London. The North Northants Development Company and English Partnerships submitted plans for the design of the station in late July 2007. It has been predicted that the new station will unlock an estimated £200 million of further commercial investment in Corby, creating more than 1,200 jobs. It added that the station will also provide added impetus for residential development and aid the transformation of town centre shopping and civic facilities.
In July 2009, Corby Pool opened on schedule and to budget. It was designed to serve the maximum number of people and uses and includes moveable floors and booms to allow, within a single 50m tank, long and short course competition swimming. When booms are up the tank divides to facilitate 3 separate activities to safely take place simultaneously. The Corby Press initiative was lead by nationally known artist Jo Roberts who developed a programme of Artistic events which involved local people and produced a series of eye catching posters to count down to the pool opening.
A second phase of Parkland Gateway will include redevelopment of the site of the old theatre and Tresham Further Education College.
Commended
Devon County Council - Princetown Village Centre
Bexley Council - Crayford Waterside Gardens
