Some of the most striking new developments in Huddersfield have won awards.

Several buildings scooped trophies at the Huddersfield Civic Society Design Awards 2015 held at Huddersfield Town Hall ... including a boulder!

Examiner readers chose the new Huddersfield Leisure Centre as their favourite new building.

But the overall winner was new upmarket student accommodation – Huddersfield Central on Wood Street in the town centre.

It also scooped the Best Residential award.

The Grade II listed building used to be owned by Kirklees Council but had been empty for a number of years.

It was transformed into 36 student studio apartments by Castle Hill Capital Holding Ltd.

Each flat includes a kitchen and living area, bathroom and bedroom.

The judges said: “One of the Huddersfield’s better known buildings – this was the old George Inn re-erected here in the early 1850s when the original inn, which stood in Market Place, was demolished to make way for the new access road to the railway station. “Its conversion has been carried out with care and attention to historic details. The external appearance has only altered with the addition of a glass and steel extension housing stairs and lift in the side alleyway off Wood Street. This provides a bright, light and functional feature that complements rather than detracts from the whole.”

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It was also the overall winner with the judges adding this was for “demonstrating careful restoration of historic/architectural features with the addition of a contemporary new entrance feature and provision of quality student accommodation within. An important improvement within the Town Centre Conservation Area and its relationship with other notable buildings.”

The Best Refurbishment title went to Spring Lodge, 27 Woodthorpe Terrace at Longroyd Bridge which has been transformed into residential apartments.

Huddersfield Civic Society award for best refurbishment - Spring Lodge, 27, Woodthorpe Terrace, Thornton Lodge - Before and after

Architect Kevin Dawson from Zero Architecture said: “By early 2013 the building had fallen into a derelict state and was unsafe to enter due to the deteriorating condition of the existing structure. We undertook the design of the project to restore the building to its former glory.”

It now features eight residential apartments.

Armitage Developments (UK) Ltd were appointed as principal contractor and the project started on site in October 2014.

Mr Dawson added: “The build comprised a full strip out of what was remaining of the internal walls and floors with numerous structural works required to strengthen the existing structure.”

The judges said: “The award recognises the work required to bring it back from the brink. Spring Lodge benefited from a grant from Kirklees Council Empty Cluster Project (funded through the Department for Communities and Local Government), aimed at bringing empty council and privately owned commercial properties in Dewsbury and Huddersfield town centres back into use as residential accommodation.

“The restoration has been sensitively accomplished with care not to clean ashlar stonework which could have led to damage to the integrity of the building. The judges applaud the work that has saved an elegant, architecturally important building.”

The Best Shop Front was won by Adam Shaw Couture at 28 Lidget Street in Lindley.

Adam Shaw outside his shop in Lidget Street, Lindley, which has won Huddersfield Civic Society award for best shop front.

Owner Adam Shaw said: “It was always an ugly old shop front that dated back to the 1970s. We have been here 12 months now and I wanted to give it a real sense of heritage but with a modern look.”

The judges said: “This shop front illustrates how individual owners, who understand how good design can enhance their businesses, can also make a huge contribution to the streetscape. The design accommodates traditional features with attractive doors, frames, fascias and lettering while providing a bright and light shop window.”

Best New Development went to new homes built at Goodharm Farm on High Lane in Newsome.

The development by North Park Homes Ltd from Emley has seen seven new homes in the farmyard next to the farmhouse and attached barn which are both Grade II listed buildings.

The site includes of a row of five terraced houses fronting onto High Lane and individually stepped to follow the curve of the road. The remaining pair of semi-detached houses are set back at a right angle.

Steve Marsden of North Park Homes at 36-48, High Lane, Newsome, which has won Huddersfield Civic Society award for best new development.

John Robinson, director at architectural technologists Farrar Bamforth Associates Ltd which designed the scheme, said: “With the existing stone-built farm and barn being listed, the appearance of the houses and the materials used had to be in keeping. The use of re-claimed stone for the walling along with the roof tile which emulates natural stone gives the development an established appearance as if it has been built for a number of years, thereby complimenting the old farm house and barn.”

The judges said: “A small but well executed development. The detailing to entrance porches is attractive and the overall impact enhances the road which leads towards Castle Hill. The judges felt that as relatively affordable units the houses provide much needed accommodation while recognising the value of local traditions and materials in their design.”

The Huddersfield Examiner’s Readers Award went to Huddersfield Leisure Centre at Springwood.

Since opening nine months ago the centre has welcomed more than 700,000 customer visits from across Kirklees and the surrounding areas.

The Splash Park alone has attracted over 130,000 customer visits.

Take a trip down the new leisure centre water slide with Chloe Glover below

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The membership based at Huddersfield Leisure Centre has increased to over 7,800 members, and the number of Kirklees Active Leisure card holders across KAL has increased by over 2,000 since HLC opened.

Clr Graham Turner: “A huge amount of partnership work has gone into the design, building and running of the centre . Winning this award is a huge accolade for all involved.”

Leisure centre manager Hazel Francis added: “We feel the centre has become a key part in the community to enable people from many walks of life to access quality and affordable leisure facilities within Kirklees.”

The judges said: “The new facility is clearly a hit with the public. With striking features and bright rendered finishes the new facility is clearly a key landmark along the ring road. Architects AHR (formerly Aedas/Abbey, Hanson & Rowe) have created a building which marks a new generation in sports facilities, very much demonstrated by the light, airy, colourful and lively atmosphere of the pool and reception areas. Landscaping is of a high standard and it will surely serve as a major asset to the town for many years to come.”

The Community Enhancement Award went to Milnsbridge Boulder Project, Crow Lane Recreation Ground, Milnsbridge which was developed by Milnsbridge Enhancement Group.

The judges said: “While not fitting in with the main award categories the judges were impressed by the creation of a facility which provides both fun for children to climb and play and a unique ‘object’ with its own sculptural attributes. It is a bold and unusual project and recognises the contribution that local communities can make to their environment.”

Opening of the boulder climbing rock in Crow Lane park,Milnsbridge.