Berners Swimming Pool in Grange over Sands has won one of the UK's most prestigious awards for architecture and environmental design. The Cumbrian success was announced at last night's (Thursday 7 April) annual Civic Trust Award gala ceremony in Brighton. The event was hosted by designer Wayne Hemingway, co-founder of "Red or Dead" and chair of the housing campaign "Building for Life". The awards are unique as judges look for projects that show design excellence and benefit their local communities or environments.
Berners Pool was praised its walling, landscaping and well-considered architecture. Hodder Associates, architects for the project, included windows down to floor level on the eastern wall of the pool hall providing dramatic views across Morecambe Bay. Swimmers get the feel of swimming right into its waters. The pool was also commended for its generous number of disabled parking bays.
Berners Pool opened in 2003, prior to that Grange had been without a pool for over ten years so the development has had a significant impact on the local community. The Civic Trust judges commented on the number of school groups who use the facility. The pool has also boosted to tourism in the town providing an excellent draw for visitors.
Cumbria County Council Chairman, Jim Webster says:
"The county council supports and encourages the Civic Trust because we want to see high quality and environmentally friendly architecture in the county. I congratulate all involved in the Berners Pool project - it has been a real benefit to the local community and the award is well deserved. Let's hope this recognition encourages many more people to use its excellent facilities."
Vivienne Newlands, Civic Trust Awards Manager, says:
"The Civic Trust Awards are a tough standard to meet. Award winners are examples of development where people have worked together to make a better place."