A civic awards ceremony has recognised community groups in the Weymouth, Chickerell and Portland.
Weymouth Civic Society's awards evening at Nothe Fort welcomed the mayors of Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell, along with Dorset councillors.
The awards celebrate contributions made to the quality of life south of the ridgeway, and cover 'Built Environment' and 'Civic Action Awards'.
The society recognised the 'Lifestyle' work of The Dry Dock team in St Thomas Street, Weymouth, for 'providing a valuable new space' for friends and community groups to meet and work 'in a convivial, but alcohol-free space'.
In a moving acceptance speech, Sam Watson said how proud he was of his team and how pleased he had been to get through the first week 'despite the gainsayers' and to go on to involve so many others.
Stop Portland Waste Incinerator (StopPWI) was given the 'Natural environment' award for their work and coordination of local objections, protecting the coast and sites of special scientific interest on and around Portland.
READ: Historic Weymouth 'neglected and falling into disrepair'
Portland Museum scooped the award for 'Heritage' with their 'bold and imaginative project' to document the wreck of the Abergavenny, its crew and artifacts.
Chris Moyle, chair of the society, said: “We especially valued the training of staff and volunteers in the use of new technology to record and present the collection.”
The award for 'Arts and Culture' was made to the Revolting Artists Group for their innovation and energy but, it was turned down.
Six projects were also chosen for the building awards in the area, including two new developments, two restorations and two projects that replaced previously redundant buildings.
The highest award this year was a 'Certificate of Merit', which was awarded to the six new affordable apartments in Roman Road.
Its design, in brick with tile hanging, was considered 'attractive and unusual', more reminiscent of a large 'gentleman’s residence' of the early 20th century.
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A commendation was also awarded for new housing at Chesil Reach, developed by C.G. Fry and Son in Chickerell, which has 35 per cent affordable social homes, half of which are available for rent.
A spokesperson for the society said “Following the hiatus in building work caused by Covid, we are beginning to see more completed projects coming through. It is really good to see affordable housing built to such high standards.”
Of the restored buildings, Massandra Court, in Greenhill, has been converted to nine apartments and a coach house, with original features carefully restored and the whole building refurbished.
South of the harbour, restoration work to the façade of the historic Pilgrim House has been carried out to replace old cement infills with new stone and to repair the sash windows.
READ: Weymouth Civic Society praises newly restored Pilgrim House
The remaining two awarded projects are the infilling of gaps, left when the previous uses have become redundant.
On Westwey Road, the former Powerhouse Motorbikes site has at last been developed with a new apartment block, Marina View.
On Portland, an empty gap left from a former builder’s yard at 6 High Street in Fortuneswell has been filled with a modest house using Portland stone with a slate roof.
Details of Civic Action Award winner:
Award for Lifestyle – Dry Dock
- Sam Watson - director and founder
- Vicky Kalogeropoulou - art director
- Liam Ormerod - finance director
- Bev Watson - company secretory
- Alan Farrall - volunteer founder
- Phil Watson - volunteer founder
Award for Environment - Stop Portland Waste Incinerator
- Sandy Whitehead, treasurer
Award for Heritage - Portland Museum's 'Earl of Abergavenny'
- David Carter
- Lucy Watkins
- Angela Scott
- Stella New
Award for Arts and Culture – Revolting Artists
- Refused award
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