Harpenden Society Awards for developments completed in 2019

The Harpenden Society has been helping to maintain the Town's unique visual image for more than 40 years by recognising building, design & site developments of a high architectural standard that blend within the town much of which is a conservation area.


In fact the first ever award can still be seen on the wall of the now Brown's Hair Salon. In the late 70's was almost acquired by a developer to knock down and develop with new shops/bars. It was saved thanks to local opposition and the efforts of The Harpenden Society and its chairman Paul Usher.


A small committee of society members chaired by Penny Ayres assess the t nominations from Society members in the early Spring prior to the official announcements at the AGM in April.


AWARDS CRITERIA


  • Buildings or site developments completed in the year ending December 2019
  • Buildings or site developments that have architectural merit.
  • Buildings or site developments that contribute a benefit to the town's residents

AWARD CATEGORIES


  • The prestigious Harpenden Society Plaque
  • Certificates of Merit
  • Letters of Commendation

This year  we awarded the prestigious Harpenden Society Plaque to Fairview 'Prestige' for the Welcombe House and the associated development on Southdown Road on the old Harpenden House Hotel site


Also a Certificate of Merit to the Harpenden Cricket Club for the newly refurbished pavilion which enhances the already lovely view of the cricket being played on Harpenden Common . 


And finally three Letters of Commendation to (in no particular order)  the Salvation Army for their new expanded building which has been achieved with care so that the green space in front neatly links in with Leyton Green and  also provides a useful hall for use by the wider Harpenden community;  to Mr Sean Coleman for the excellent thatching of two cottages overlooking Hatching Green including the rebuilding of the flint wall in front of the cottages;  also to  the newly expanded Skye Opticians  where the building has been joined up with the next door shop (the old Galloways shoe shop) to make an attractive modern yet restrained double fronted building.'