Graham Allen Award

This is the twenty-seventh year of the Graham Allen Award which was inaugurated in 1982 as a memorial to the late Councillor G.S. Allen, first Chairman of North Norfolk District Council. Since then, the award, in the form of a bronze plaque, has been presented annually by the Council to the scheme considered to make the most significant contribution to the conservation of the built environment within the District. Schemes considered worthy of commendation are also acknowledged by the presentation of certificates. The panel of judges comprises of members elected from the Development Control Committees, the relevant Portfolio Member and Mr Edward Allen (who represents the Allen family).

During the years, awards have been made for both the conservation and restoration of listed and unlisted buildings and also for new buildings which, through their design, including the innovative use of traditional building forms and detailing, contribute to the built environment.

Last year's Graham Allen Award for Conservation & Design was won by a major new building in the heart of historic Little Walsingham. The new Roman Catholic Church of the Annunciation stands in Friday Market Place within the heart of the Walsingham Conservation Area. It replaces an earlier temporary church building which had stood on the site since the 1950s.

The judges were particularly impressed by the innovative way the building has re-interpreted the traditional Norfolk round tower and with its meticulous attention to detail and high quality design detailing. They also praised the natural materials used and the way the building has incorporated renewable energy technologies in its construction.

Congratulations go to the Diocese of East Anglia who commissioned the new church, and to local architect Anthony Rossi for designing the building. A bronze plaque was presented to the winning entry by Mr Edward Allen, son of the late NNDC Chairman Graham Allen, and a member of the judging panel.

The new visitor centre at the Cley Marshes Reserve was Highly Commended for its contemporary low-profile design, whilst the sympathetic new dwellings and repairs at Cleaves Almhouses in Walsingham received a Commendation.

Now in its 27th year, the annual award rewards schemes making a significant contribution to the built environment within our District. For more information please call Chris Young on (01263) 516138.

Entries are now being sought for this year's award. The closing date is the 30th June 2008. An entry form can be downloaded below along with full eligibility criteria and entry notes.

Download the Entry Form Here (.PDF 91Kb)

Details of previous awards, including commendations:

• Graham Allen Award 2007 - Winner: Church of the Annunciation, Little Walsingham (2.8Mb)
• Graham Allen Award 2007 - Highly Commended: Cley Marshes Reserve, Coast Road, Cley-next-the-Sea (.pdf 3.2Mb)
• Graham Allen Award 2007 - Commended: Cleaves Almshouses, Wells Road, Little Walsingham (.pdf 3.1Mb)
• Graham Allen Award 2006 - the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum and Restaurant in Cromer
• Graham Allen Award 2005 - the four-year transformation of a busy Holt café into an upmarket bed and breakfast, dining and retail 'complex'
• Graham Allen Award 2004 - the restoration of 3 derelict 18th century cottages in Bacton.
• Graham Allen Award 2003 - the restoration of an 18th century cottage in Letheringsett.

For more information about the Graham Allen Award please contact the North Norfolk District Council's Conservation and Design Section: Tel: (01263) 516138 or Fax: (01263) 514802 or email: chris.young@north-norfolk.gov.uk