Hammersmith Society's Environment Awards Announced

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Two main awards given to distinctive buildings in Shepherd's Bush

The Hammersmith Society's annual Environment Awards have been announced, with the unusual decision to give two main awards to highly distinctive buildings in Shepherd's Bush.

The society’s 12 strong panel scrutinised 13 local developments across three categories before announcing the results at the society's AGM held on June 11.

The prizes were handed out by Hammersmith & Fulham’s mayor, Councillor Mercy Umeh in front of 70 members and guests.

Chairman Tom Ryland praised the calibre of all the developments which made the shortlist.

He said: " We’re fairly picky about what we give awards to, some years we haven’t given any out at all.

" This year we gave two main awards rather than one which is a reflection of how highly we thought of them."

The two awards went to the Dorsett Hotel in Shepherd’s Bush Green, for achieving the impressive task of successfully converting what was originally opened in 1923 as the Pavilion Cinema, and modern houses in Waldo Road in College Park, Shepherds Bush.

Judges said of the Dorsett Hotel, which was designed by architects Flanagan Lawrence: " It is rather a triumph and the committee agreed that Shepherds Bush would be the poorer without it. A distinctive element of the original was its amazing barrel-like roof which has been replaced in glass and louvres."

The award was not connected to plans to extend the hotel with a 16 storey tower which were rejected by H&F Council this month.

They described modern houses in Waldo Road in Shepherd's Bush, designed and developed by Alfred Munkenbeck, as an "exciting find". It is three modern houses built to a very high and green specification which backs onto railway lines.

Awards were also given to three buildings in Hammersmith. The Nancye Goulden Award, presented to smaller schemes, went to 21 Banim Street in Brackenbury Village. The three-story development of three flats, three houses and office space was described as a "charming and sensitive scheme".

Work to open up Hammersmith’s Hammersmith and City Line station was also praised. The redevelopment opened up the centre arches to allow passengers to move through much easier. The redesign earned London Underground the society’s Conservation Award.

A Special Award was also introduced this year to cover a category not normally considered. Normally all nominations have to be able to be seen from the street, but judges were so impressed by the refurbishment of the Hammersmith Apollo’s Art Deco interior that it was also honoured.

At the AGM, Tom Ryland was appointed Hammersmith Society chairman, replacing Rosemary Pettit after three years.

Looking back, Rosemary said: " It’s been interesting, instructive, stretching and enjoyable.

"It’s gone into good hands. Tom is experienced in planning and development and I’m confident he will carry on bringing the Hammersmith Society forward."

July 6, 2015