More than 350 people attended a gala black tie evening this week in Exeter to celebrate the 11th annual Michelmores and Western Morning News property awards.
The awards were hosted by former MP, government whip and housing minister Gyles Brandreth, now a well-known media personality. Mr Brandreth said he was "heartened and genuinely moved" by what he described as the collaborative, innovative and far-sighted projects in the awards.
The award for Residential Project of the Year (41 units and over) was presented by former head of the Confederation of British Industry Sir John Banham, who praised the winner, Trevithick View in Camborne. This development of affordable rental and shared-ownership homes has been created on a derelict town centre site, formerly mining and industrial buildings. "This is the sort of project that should be built in every town in Cornwall and nationally too," said Sir John.
The winner of Residential Project of the Year (40 units and under) was Cedar Gardens, Taunton. This development is specifically designed for the downsizing over-55s market. Each house has discreet features such as wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs and stairs suitable for stairlifts, to allow older people to stay in their homes as the years go by.
This award was presented by head of content of the Western Morning News Philip Bowern. "The panel felt that this sort of development is definitely what the retirement market is looking for," he said.
