Graham Allen Award

This is the twenty-seventh year of the Graham Allen Award which was inaugurated in 1982 as a memorial to the late Councillor G.S. Allen, first Chairman of North Norfolk District Council. Since then, the award, in the form of a bronze plaque, has been presented annually by the Council to the scheme considered to make the most significant contribution to the conservation of the built environment within the District. Schemes considered worthy of commendation are also acknowledged by the presentation of certificates. The panel of judges comprises of members elected from the Development Control Committees, the relevant Portfolio Member and Mr Edward Allen (who represents the Allen family).

During the years, awards have been made for both the conservation and restoration of listed and unlisted buildings and also for new buildings which, through their design, including the innovative use of traditional building forms and detailing, contribute to the built environment.

This year's Graham Allen Award for Conservation & Design has been won by a new community facility in Sheringham. Oddfellows Hall, which was built to house the town's first lifeboat in 1867, has been converted and refurbished to provide two floors of accessible accommodation for meetings and functions.

The judges were particularly impressed by the striking two-storey entrance porch which has been added to the front elevation of the Hall. This contemporary addition reflects the building's maritime past and now provides a major new focal point within the town. They also welcomed the positive impact the project has had on Sheringham's Conservation Area.

Congratulations go to the Sheringham Plus Community Partnership who commissioned the project, and to the architects Chaplin Farrant for designing the scheme. A bronze plaque was presented to the winning entry by Mr Edward Allen, son of the late NNDC Chairman Graham Allen, and a member of the judging panel.

The residential conversion of Snoring Barn, Walsingham Road, Hindringham was Highly Commended for its distinctive design approach, whilst the new visitor information centre on the Meadow Car Park in Cromer received a Commendation for its bespoke contemporary design.

• Award Winner - Oddfellows Hall, Lifeboat Plain, Sheringham (PDF 2.3Mb)
• Highly Commended - Snoring Barn, Walsingham Road, Hindringham (PDF 1.4Mb)
• Commended - North Norfolk Information Centre, The Meadow, Cromer (PDF 1.1Mb)

Inaugurated in 1982, the annual award rewards schemes making a significant contribution to the built environment within our District. For more information please call Chris Young on (01263) 516138.

Entries for the 2009 award will be sought during May/June next year. The closing date will be the 30th June 2009. An entry form can be downloaded below along with full eligibility criteria and entry notes.

Download the Entry Form Here (.PDF 91Kb)

Details of previous awards, including commendations:

• Graham Allen Award 2007 - Winner: Church of the Annunciation, Little Walsingham (2.8Mb)
• Graham Allen Award 2007 - Highly Commended: Cley Marshes Reserve, Coast Road, Cley-next-the-Sea (.pdf 3.2Mb)
• Graham Allen Award 2007 - Commended: Cleaves Almshouses, Wells Road, Little Walsingham (.pdf 3.1Mb)
• Graham Allen Award 2006 - the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum and Restaurant in Cromer
• Graham Allen Award 2005 - the four-year transformation of a busy Holt café into an upmarket bed and breakfast, dining and retail 'complex'
• Graham Allen Award 2004 - the restoration of 3 derelict 18th century cottages in Bacton.
• Graham Allen Award 2003 - the restoration of an 18th century cottage in Letheringsett.

For more information about the Graham Allen Award please contact the North Norfolk District Council's Conservation and Design Section: Tel: (01263) 516138 or Fax: (01263) 514802 or email: chris.young@north-norfolk.gov.uk