A major regeneration project in the centre of Radstock has been shortlisted for a top award at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) South West Awards for Planning Excellence.
The Norton Radstock Regeneration Company’s (NRR) redevelopment of former railway land in the town centre is one of only eight projects, plans and policies short listed for the coveted Excellence in Planning Delivery Award.
The project involved the restoration of Radstock’s former railway lands with appropriate housing, retail, heritage and community facilities, and has been steered by a voluntary board of local people who have seen the scheme through from 2001.
The “brownfield” site, which extends to almost 9 hectares, is on the former Railway lands in the centre of the historic mining town. It had lain neglected since the closure of mines and railways in the 60s and 70s.
Cate Le Grice-Mack, chair of NRR said “I am immensely proud of the board and its achievements on this very challenging project. When the railways first went through the town in the 19th century they took a large area out of the centre. NRR has now delivered 190 new homes, meeting local needs. There is a mix of sizes and a high proportion are genuinely “affordable” along with a number of much needed commercial units.”
NRR previously received an RTPI design award for the scheme.
Cllr Paul Myers, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for Economic and Community Regeneration said: “We’re delighted that this project has been recognised. It is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with a strong, collaborative working relationship between the council, developers and the local community.”
The RTPI represents 25,000 planning professionals worldwide and promotes spatial planning, shapes policy and raises professional standards. The Awards for Planning Excellence have been run by the RTPI South West for over 30 years to recognise planning excellence.
Suzanne D’Arcy Chair of RTPI South West said: “The shortlisted entries are a mix of outstanding planning which reflect the really high standards and achievements of the planning profession throughout the South West. Given the high calibre of entries this year, the judges will no doubt find it difficult to pick an overall winner.”
The winner will be announced in November.
