Grantley Hall Hotel and Wellness Retreat enjoyed triple triumph at last night’s Ripon Civic Society design awards, presented by mayor Councillor Eamon Parkin.
Owner Valeria Sykes who has spent more than £70 million creating one of the UK’s most luxurious venues, was among the property developers, architects, representatives from organisations and members of the public, present for the awards ceremony at the Workhouse Museum in Ripon.
Also in attendance were members of the Sterne family, whose long-term investments in Ripon, have added significantly to the city’s retail, leisure and hospitality offer.
Grantley Hall was awarded the Price Flagon for best restored building, the Hazzard Silver Cup for best new building and the Helen Whitehead Award for best project.
Grantley Hall Hotel and Wellness Retreat Picture: Jack Hardy
Before leaving with the three trophies, Ms Sykes told the Stray Ferret:
“I have been involved in the restoration and development of a number of historic buildings in addition to Grantley Hall and it is always gratifying to have work recognised.
“Whether you have a major scheme, or a small private development, design awards give encouragement and help to lift standards.”
Sterne Properties can claim to have its fingers in many pies in Ripon, including Appleton’s, whose upper-crust pork creations can be seen in the window of its distinctive premises on Market Place East.
Robert Sterne receives the Taylor Plate for best contribution to city centre revitalisation
Across Market Square, the company’s latest large development earned the first award of the evening – the Taylor Plate for the best
contribution to city centre revitalisation.
RCS chairman and awards compere Christopher Hughes, congratulated the Sternes for their transformation of the former NatWest Bank building, next to Ripon Town Hall.
He pointed out that as well as creating the space for The Claro Lounge cafe bar to locate in the city, the total refurbishment of the building has also brought stylish apartments with stunning vistas, including a view of the cathedral.
Ripon Cathedral’s Fallen Angels Project, was among the eight award winners
There was recognition for the cathedral in this special 1,350th anniversary year for the church of St Peter and St Wilfrid – the foundation stone upon which Ripon has been built.
Its intricate Fallen Angels project, which saw repair and refurbishment of medieval misericords in the quire earn the RCS Craftmanship Shield.
Other winners
In addition to their focus on the built environment, the society’s judging panel looked at the natural environment and rewarded the Pennycroft Restoration Project at High Batts Nature Reserve, with presentation of the Younge Rosebowl for best Environmental Improvement.
Mr Hughes said that the work at the West Tanfield reserve has been ongoing for almost 50 years and a programme of continuous improvements has been carried out by hundreds of volunteers.
The Sustainability Award was presented to the developer of The Stoneyard – a residential scheme off Stonebridgegate and, in a moving finale to the evening’s awards ceremony, the John Whitehead award for Civic Excellence, was awarded for the 2018 Armistice Commemorations led by the Ripon Community Poppy Project.
Presentation of the award, in recognition of a programme of activities that marked the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, was held up by covid lockdowns.
Last night, however, Councillor Stuart Martin and Hazel Barker, who set up the Community Poppy Project, accepted the trophy on behalf of the many people involved in the commemoration activities.
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