Controversial £4m St George’s Square redevelopment up for top architecture award

Jul 15 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE controversial redevelopment of St George’s Square has been shortlisted for a top architecture award.

The £4m revamp was yesterday nominated for the Yorkshire White Rose Awards organised by the Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA).

The new-look square, which was unveiled last October, includes fountains and a water cascade.

Award judges praised the work by Leeds-based Whitelaw Turkington Landscape Architects, saying: “The scheme enhances the existing classical architecture and creates a public area suitable for both everyday use and special events with new water features, planting and specialist lighting design.”

The council’s Cabinet member for regeneration Clr Peter McBride welcomed the news yesterday.

He said: “We’re pleased to hear that Whitelaw Turkington’s design for St George’s Square has been shortlisted for such a prestigious prize.

“We unveiled the new-look square nine months ago and since then I’ve been watching its popularity and use steadily grow, especially over recent weeks when the water features have proven to be a welcome relief from the heat for many a child.

“The new square lent itself particularly well to last weekend’s carnival, which for the first time ever was staged in its entirety in the town centre.

“Creating a high-quality and flexible public space in the centre of a busy town is always a challenge, but one which I’m pleased RIBA has acknowledged has been completed with flair here in Huddersfield.”

The square is one of 19 Yorkshire sites shortlisted for the awards.

The Passivhaus in Denby Dale has also been nominated. The property, built by Golcar-based Green Building Store, uses 90% less energy than a conventional home.