A PROPERTY developer based in the Holme Valley has been shortlisted for a major design award.

Conroy Brook, based at Brockholes, is one of the top three contenders for the Pinders National Healthcare Design Awards.

The nomination is for its Rowan Court development – a close-care unit built in Holmfirth for the Mirfield-based Hollybank Trust.

The awards were set up in 1999 to promote and recognise the best UK developments in all types of care-related property.

It is the second time that Conroy Brook has been nominated. In 2005, the company won an award for its White Rose Nursing Home in Holmfirth. The complex is operated by Meridian Healthcare Ltd.

This time, Conroy Brook is in the top three in the independent living category for Rowan Court – a £4m, 15-bed residential close-care unit for young people with disabilities.

John Hall, chairman of trustees at Hollybank, said: “We are delighted that our new building has been deemed worthy of a place in the final of the awards.

“As a brand new purpose-built facility, it enables us to provide a wonderful, caring environment for the young people who live there.”

Richard Conroy, chief executive of Conroy Brook, said: “Rowan Court is a well-designed, efficient, modern, close-care home for a very deserving cause, so we are very pleased that the quality that we put in all our developments has been recognised by the judges.”

Conroy Brook joined forces with award-winning architects Chris Carr Associates to design Rowan Court – a three-storey building with one five-bedroom apartment on each floor.

They worked in close conjunction with Hollybank to meet the trust’s specific requirements for a modern, purpose built ‘state of the art’ close care facility, which would meet and exceed all current legislation regarding the young people’s needs.

Judges will visit the development before the winners of the Pinders National Healthcare Design Awards are announced at a ceremony on March 25 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.