Venetian Waterways recognised by Civic Trust Awards
Green Flag Award winning Venetian Waterways in Great Yarmouth receives recognition at the 66th Civic Trust Awards ceremony, in the Civic Trust Awards and Selwyn Goldsmith Awards for Universal Design categories.
The restoration and enhancement of the Venetian Waterways in Great Yarmouth successfully balances heritage conservation with contemporary needs. This revitalized Grade II listed public park has transformed a neglected space into a vibrant, multi-functional asset for residents and visitors alike. The project blends historic preservation and sensitive modern intervention with restored pavilions, now adorned with local thatched roofs, which capture the charm of the original design while ensuring durability with high-quality materials.
The Waterways project balances the demands of universal accessibility with the constraints of working within a Grade II listed park, making this project a beacon of inclusive landscape design. The primary goal of the Waterways project was to create a more inclusive environment while enhancing the site's usability for all visitors. The design team navigated the challenges of maintaining the site's historic integrity while ensuring equitable access across its diverse spaces.
Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE said: "I am delighted to see the importance of parks and green spaces recognised by the prestigious Civic Trust Awards. The work to restore Venetian Waterways and improve accessibility is a fantastic example of what can be achieved and will benefit the community for many years to come. Congratulations to all involved."
Civic Trust Awards Judges said: “This heritage-led regeneration has preserved the historic charm, securing a sustainable future as a beloved landmark for Great Yarmouth.”
“The Waterways shows how inclusive design principles can be successfully applied to historic landscapes, creating a space that is welcoming, accessible, and beneficial to the entire community.”
Civic Trust Awards are given to projects that make an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment. Award level schemes demonstrate excellence in architecture or design, whilst being sustainable, accessible and provide a positive civic contribution.
Selwyn Goldsmith Awards for Universal Design were established in 2011, in recognition of architect and founding figure of universal design, Selwyn Goldsmith. The Awards celebrate places that are responsive, flexible, welcoming, easy to use and occupy, allowing all to use with dignity and equality. Winners have gone beyond building regulations, using best practice guidance, putting people at the heart of the project, and showing exemplar design. Presented in recognition of architect and founding figure of universal design, Selwyn Goldsmith to exemplar projects that demonstrate excellent universal design principles.
Lead Consultant - Allen Scott Landscape Architects
Client - Great Yarmouth Borough Council
Main Contractor - Blakedown Landscapes
Cost Consultant - Andrew Morton Associates
Structural and Civil Engineers - Morton Partnership
Funding Partner - The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Architects, Technical Delivery - Foster Wilson Size
Conservation - Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust
Awards were presented at the annual Awards Ceremony held on Friday 4th April at The Concorde Conference Centre, Altrincham and hosted by CTA Patron George Clarke.
Further information and a full list of this year's Awards can be found at www.civictrustawards.org.uk
Photographs of Venetian Waterways - Allen Scott
Photograph of Award Ceremony - Wayne Myers
