The Ramsgate Society, a Civic Society formed in 1964 to save historic buildings from demolition, has always had an interest in promoting good design and conservation practice. Ramsgate was one of only ten areas chosen for Heritage Action Zone status by Historic England in 2017. The five-year project received funding designed to attract inward investment into Ramsgate which has four conservation areas (Ramsgate, Pegwell, Royal Esplanade and Montefiore) and 442 listed buildings.
Ramsgate Society’s design awards were last held in 2018 and The Falstaff, a boutique Hotel on Addington Street, was selected as the overall winner. Awards were presented on Civic Day, June 16, 2018, at a ceremony at The Custom House attended by local MP, Craig Mackinlay.
For the 2023 awards, The Ramsgate Society, with the support of Ramsgate Town Council, aims to recognise and celebrate buildings, spaces, shops, and places that are valued by the local community and show the very best design and construction process throughout the project, whether building from new or repairing the old.
This year’s competition has eight award categories with additional awards for the best overall winners in four categories.
The award categories are:
Residential:
- Best newbuild
- Best retrofit
Commercial:
- Best newbuild
- Best retrofit
- Special award: Best retail and hospitality
- Special award: Best workspace
- Special award: Best pop up or meanwhile use
Thanet award
- Best building or project in Thanet.
Overall winners will be announced for:
- Best conservation project
- Most environmental and sustainable project
- Greatest contribution to public realm and placemaking
- Building of the year.
Projects nominated must be located in Ramsgate or the adjacent wards, except for the Thanet award which must be situated in Thanet. Nominations will be accepted from anyone including members of The Ramsgate Society, other local community groups, residents’ associations, Thanet District Council and Ramsgate Town Council, architects, developers, construction companies, as well as individuals and local businesses. Nominations should be made by completing the online Design Awards 2023 nomination form. Uploaded photographs should demonstrate why the project is worthy of an award in the nominated category.
The independent judging panel will be appointed by the Ramsgate Design and Heritage Forum, and will be chaired by Dan Thompson, social artist, writer, designer, and Ramsgate resident. Judges will assess projects on the:
- Quality of the design
- Quality of construction
- Environmental impact and sustainability
- Materials
- Accessibility
- Contribution to placemaking
The level of budget will be considered, as will the story the project tells.
Nominations will close on April 14, 2023 and judging will take place in April and May 2023. The winners will be announced at an event in June 2023.
The Nomination Form can be found on The Ramsgate Society’s website:
www.ramsgate-society.org.uk.
The Ramsgate Society is approaching local groups and businesses to become sponsors of the awards. If you would like to become a bronze, silver, or gold sponsor please contact:
designawards23@ramsgatesociety.co.uk