Building Conservation Project of the Year at the RICS Awards, East of England is a £5.1 million scheme to rescue the ‘at risk’ Grade II* Medieval church, St Mary at the Quay, Ipswich, transforming it into a unique wellbeing and heritage centre.
Quay Place image copyright Andy Marshell
The RICS writes:
The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) has received a RICS Building Conservation Award, East of England, for Quay Place, a regeneration scheme in Ipswich. Quay Place is the realisation of a £5.1 million scheme to rescue the ‘at risk’ Grade II* Medieval church, St Mary at the Quay, Ipswich, transforming it into a unique wellbeing and heritage centre. Delivered in partnership between the Churches Conservation Trust and Suffolk Mind, it is an exemplar conservation project, combining traditional approaches with cutting-edge innovation, and providing varied community engagement and training opportunities. The result is an uplifting, multi-purpose centre that secures the future of this important Ipswich landmark.
Matthew McKeague, Director of Regeneration, CCT says: ‘We believe Quay Place is a very important project, one that will help demonstrate the vitally important links between historic buildings, good architecture, active communities and better health – principles at the heart of the civic movement.’
Sue Gray, Director, Suffolk Mind says: ‘Quay Place connects health, wellbeing and heritage in an inspirational way – as you walk into Quay Place you immediately feel the peace and see the beauty – this is a very tangible way for our wide variety of visitors to experience this amazing medieval building now restored for use as a community space for the 21st century and beyond. Our partnership with CCT has enabled use to reach a wider audience with our vision to improve the mental wellbeing of the people of Suffolk and bring an historic building back in to daily use, we are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award.’
Read more on the CCT website and see the Awards on the RICS website
