Two Tibbalds projects selected as finalists for RTPI Awards 2015

Two Tibbalds entries have been selected as finalists in two categories of the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2015.

The Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Kingsbury has been selected as a finalist in the ‘Excellence in Planning for the Community and Wellbeing’ category, and the Winford Neighbourhood Plan has been selected as a finalist in the ‘Excellence in Plan Making Practice’ category.

The Shree Swaminaryan Mandir represents the realisation of a north London Hindu community’s long held vision to create a focus for worship, contemplation, celebration, sport, work and relaxation.

The complex, which is located on a former industrial site comprises a new temple, multi-functional hall, low cost workspaces and a public courtyard. It brings together traditional religious architecture with contemporary design and centuries-old craftsmanship with modern construction techniques.

Having achieved a BREEAM Excellent Rating the building is seen as the world’s first ‘eco-temple’. A combined heat and power plant serves the complex and forms the basis of a highly efficient energy strategy, encompassing renewable technologies and natural ventilation.

The Winsford Neighbourhood Plan is ambitious. It allocates land for around 3,300 new homes along with 35 hectares of new employment land. It is by far the biggest Neighbourhood Plan to come forward in England.

The plan was prepared by Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design, along with consultation specialists Urban Vision, for Winsford Town Council in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWACC) and The Weaver Valley Partnership. It passed examination in August 2014 and the people of Winsford voted ‘yes’ to the Plan in a referendum in October 2014.

Tibbalds’ role was to lead the process of producing a Neighbourhood Plan, including consultation and engagement with local people and statutory consulters. The aims of the plan include using new development to secure improvements to the town as a whole through the provision of new public open space, regeneration of the town centre and connecting the existing railway station into the town.

The full list of finalists can be viewed here.

The winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony held on Monday 6 July 2015 at the Pullman London St Pancras, hosted by The Rt Hon Nick Raynsford.