Previous Harry Johnson Winners
2024 Renovation Winners – The Old Schoolroom, Wellow and Middleton’s Yard, Worksop
The BEST OF THE BEST buildings in Nottinghamshire have been selected for a HARRY JOHNSON AWARD which was presented at the NOTTINGHAMSHIRE BUILDING PRESERVATION TRUST Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 24th October in the Newark Library.
The Harry Johnson Award was instigated in 1989 to promote good design and use of new and historic materials in attractive ways that add to the enjoyment of our environment. Every two years the Trust invites entries for New Build and Restoration Projects to be judged best of their class.
This year eight entries have been received, one substantially new and the others restorations of existing buildings in Kneeton. Newark, Southwell, Blidworth Moor. Wellow, Edwinstowe and Worksop. Three Judges with a wide range of experience have offered their services to make the onerous selection. Cllr. Roger Upton, FRICS; Jason Mordan, NCC Senior Practitioner Historic Buildings/Conservation, David Atkins, JP RIBA, NBPT Chairman.
NEW BUILD CLASS
Bringing new life to Worksop Town Centre
Middleton’s Yard, 87, Bridge Steet, with 85 & 85A Bridge Street, Worksop S80 2FR
Owner: Bassetlaw District Council
Architect/designer: Anotherkind Architects
Sponsor: Joe Player, Suite 5 Bingham Enterprise Centre
87, Bridge Street formerly the premises of Middleton’s Corn Merchants, has been redeveloped on the existing footprint. Located between and behind 83 and 83A Bridge Street have been restored with reconstructed shop fronts and upper storey accommodation. All have access from the Yard and adjacent Brewers Yard, over new well laid paving. The new structure is faced in bronze finished aluminium sheets between similar coated projecting structural frames reminiscent of C15 timber construction. The new properties provide managed offices for 30 individual companies and a café with al fresco seating and parking for a total of 40 cars. The signage has been well controlled and even the ‘No Smoking’ signs have been hand painted to fit the well-pointed brickwork. The yards and car park are secured at night with appropriate, well-designed steel gates. Bassetlaw DC is to be commended for this well-considered and finished scheme destined to breathe new life into Worksop town centre with offices, café and pedestrian route to the bus station.
Although this is the only New Build entry the judges felt its quality made it a justified BEST in CLASS.
RESTORATION CLASS
The judges selected the Wellow Church Schoolroom, Newark Road, Wellow as BEST of the Restoration class. Built in 1864 and now held in Trust by the Vicar and Church Wardens of St Swithin’s Church, Wellow. Joyce Architects were involved in the early decision making but Jane Crofts has been the driving force for the restoration work, which has taken many years to reach a satisfying conclusion, with original windows repaired and roof re-tiled, floor relaid and brickwork repointed. The work of restoration has involved local craftsmen/women and volunteers, The building has been conserved in its original form as a schoolroom now serving as a village meeting place, coffee bar and museum. Signage and restored wrought iron gate, the re-built brick boundary wall capped with cast stone triangular coping to match the original, the paving and stone steps is all a credit to the many involved.
The Judges had difficulty in separating other entries, for various reasons and COMMENDED three other entries
Saved from demolition.
Moor Cottage, Farnsfield Road, Bilsthorpe Moor NG22 8SJ
Owner:-James Whitbread
Architect/designer: J Whitbread, Boyd MacAfee
Sponsor: J Whitbread
A chance encounter led to the purchase and subsequent reclamation of Moor Cottage, a two-up two-down artisan dwelling in the hamlet of Blidworth Moor. Purpose-made timber windows, re-pointing in lime mortar and re-roofing in reclaimed pantiles has restored the building to its C19 simplicity. The discrete rear extension in matching lime brickwork and pantiles provides extra ground floor accommodation and makes the most of the steep landscaped garden with a pond and brick-paved seating area. The judges welcomed the restoration of this simple village dwelling to today’s standards. COMMENDED
Kings Chapel, King Street, Newark, NG25 0PW
Owner: Billy Morris
Architect/designer: Oxedio (Simon Chan, architect)
Sponsor: P Duncan
A model of what to do with a redundant chapel ( apart from turn it into a 60 year Social Club). The buildings have been converted to provide 9 apartments in the re-pointed stone and brick structure with insulated and slated roof. PV panels are neatly concealed from the Street on lower roofs. Aluminium framed windows in existing openings retain the street character and the side landscaping is protected by well-designed collecting boxes, railings and gates. One slipped slate on the rear apse did not prevent the Judges from COMMENDING this entry
New uses for Farm Buildings
1, 2, 3 Story’s Yard, Kneeton NG13 1WZ
Owner: Individual Private
Architect/designer: Lowe Construction and Build and cbp Architects Ltd
Sponsor: Chris Perkins, CBP Architects Ltd
Agricultural changes have made two of the three Kneeton farmsteads redundant and this is the second to be developed for housing. Three large barns in various stages of repair have been conserved, re-pointed in lime mortar (rebuilt in one case, in bricks reclaimed from the site) roof trusses and rafters cleaned and structurally secured under insulated slated roof covering. Lower roofed extensions, usually on existing footprint, are pantiled. Each dwelling has ground and first-floor under-floor heat from air source heat pumps in separately secured landscaped grounds around a gravelled Yard. Sadly the heat pump industry has yet to design discrete units but these have usually hidden from general view. The judges liked the retention stone pintel blocks and board slides, the recessed blocking of unused original openings and rise and fall gutter brackets but were unhappy about the use of imitation ci plastic rainwater goods and the exposure of reclaimed brick painted faces. A pristine community waiting for new owners to breathe new life into it.
The Judges were pleased to see the other entries and made the following observations.
Shop Front Restoration, ‘Flossie and Boo’ 19, Market Place, Newark, NG22
Owner: James Carpenter
Architect/designer: Guy Taylor Associates
Sponsor: Cara De Angelis
A worthy project; restoring a prominent small shop front to its former C19 appearance. The corner entrance has been neatly re-imagined and the window design reflects an original colour and appearance, all purpose-made. Sadly the panel material is not standing the test of weather and time. The judges appreciated the tiled stallriser and lettering but were saddened by the de-lamination of the boarding.
Saracen’s Head, North Range, Market Street, Southwell, NG25 0HE
Owner: Greene King Brewery and Hotels leaseholder Mr. D. Donegan
Architect/designer: Jane Holt, BA Hons B Arch, AABC, Architect
Steve Machin Bsc C eng M StrecE, engineer, Historical England advisory
Sponsor: Southwell Civic Society
The North Range of the Saracen’s Head out-buildings has received quality treatment from conservation architect Jane Holt and engineer, Steve Machin, with input from Historic England. Rotten C15 oak studs have been replaced or structurally secured to prevent building collapse. Credit to the owners for this long needed Listed Grade ll* work. A practical use is required to secure the buildings future. Edwinstowe Hall, Church Street, Edwinstowe, NG21 9QA
Owner: Nik and Rachael Teal
Architect/designer: Listed Building description 1952
Sponsor: Edwinstowe Historical Society
Hurray for the Teals who have taken on Edwinstowe Hall and decades of conservation work and hoped for satisfaction. Much has already been achieved to remove damage by previous owners, the brown painted exterior render is now painted white and the outbuildings have been carefully converted to Air B&B accommodation, to help with running costs. The internal rooms have been cleared, inserted partitions removed and all made extremely habitable and the external appearance with cleared entrance drive, new gates, the bright render and restored landscape is a great improvement on the sad past. But much remains to be done.
The judges heard of this year’s planned work on 9 of the 80 sash windows to conserve the timber, provide new weights, beads and draught strips as necessary. There is also the re-construction of the cast iron sun room which is presently covered with tarpaulins.
The judges considered it praiseworthy work in progress and looked forward to an award entry in 2026.
2022 Renovation Winner: Auld Cottage, Norwell
2018 Renovation Winner: House of Correction, Southwell
The Conservation category winner was the House of Correction, The Burgage, Southwell. This correctional site was established in 1611. It was replaced by an innovative prison plan in 1808 which went on to inform prison architecture at some of the countries most infamous prisons. The former layout of the prison was used by Franklin Ellis Architects to inform an inspired site layout with the House of Correction at its’ former prominent position at the head of the site. The scheme retained and converted the buildings which held significant positions on the former prison site. The layout was only possible with the demolition of one of the listed buildings on the site. The building was recorded and its removal has revealed the full facade of the House of Correction. The house of correction building was subject to external pointing where necessary and sensitive, low-level timber clad pods were added to the ground floor. The brick, black boarding and stone dressings provide a restricted pallet of materials and the result is an admirable example of town housing in Southwell.
2018 Commended Renovation : Weir Cottages, Canalside, Beeston
Weir Cottages, Canal side, Beeston, belonging to Canal side Heritage Centre Trust, is Commended for the conservation work to these run-down cottages. The 4 workers cottages date from 1796 and have been brought back to life as a Heritage/Arts and Education Centre in a design by Julian Owen Associates, Architects. The derelict, overgrown property was conserved and extended using professional contractors and a dedicated team of volunteers, led in conservation training by Jason Mordan, Notts County Council. The exposed brickwork and new Yorkshire sashes provide a focal point and the attractive café and garden is now an appreciated waterside venue.
2018 New Build Award: Jude Park, East Markham
The New Build Award went to a development of 8 dwellings at Jude Park, High Street, East Markham, for the imaginative high quality addition to the village based on the ‘theme of a 19th century farmstead’. The development employs a restricted materials pallet, traditional detailing brick soldier arches in double garden wall bond walling, tumble gable brickwork on plots 5-8. The judges enjoyed the provision of retained individual garden privacy whilst providing an open nature to the layout with the careful use of black boundary railings.
The 8 modern homes were built by a joint venture between JWT Property Developments Ltd, BMA Ltd (plots 5-8) and Millcroft Development (plots 1-4). The whole was well proportioned and, although provided for the high-end market, is a fine example of a traditional Nottinghamshire village extension, welcomed at a time when many villages are forced to provide extra dwellings to meet the housing need.
2018 Commended New Build: Parsons Mount, Newark
The judges Commended the development of 22 Alms-houses at Parsons Mount, Newark, by Guy Taylor Associates for the St Leonard’s Hospital Trust for its innovative design in this central town position. The two-storey building uses similar materials to the previously built neighbouring block and is cleverly sited to retain the view of the church spire from Kings Road. The building provides affordable, independent living close to the town-centre and shops. A worthy example of a modern design making a positive contribution to the area.
2018 Entries
Chapel on Hill, Knowle Hill, Kimberley, Nottingham. A Victorian, Grade ll Listed stone built Cemetery Chapel opened in 1883, now owned by Kimberley Parish Council, brought back into use for the Community, with help from local tradesmen and volunteers. The Chapel is now an attractive venue for funerals and civil weddings.
The Manor House, Gonalston, Notts. The timber framed, Grade ll Listed Barn had been neglected for many years and the brick infill panels were supporting the eaves beams above rotted posts. The new owners, Mr & Mrs Leese commissioned Martin Hubbard & Associates Ltd. to conserve and provide an activity venue for family and friends. The remaining internal posts have been supported on black painted steels, roof timbers conserved and replaced as necessary and the clay pantiles re-laid over new cast iron gutters on rise and fall brackets. A new oak glazed entrance screen replaces the decayed barn doors and the 16thC building has been saved for another generation.
Bankwood House, Oxton Rd. Southwell, Notts. This new-build home for Mr. & Mrs. Savage by Martin Hubbard & Associates Ltd received permission to demolish a Grade ll Listed Georgian farmhouse on condition that the new house was a ‘positive pastiche’. The house stands on the same footprint as the original and retains the original appearance of the entrance façade whilst enlarged windows on the other elevations express the modern internal layout of the south facing living spaces. The use of natural slate roof and stone detailing was appreciated.
Country Kids Day Nursery, Main St. Kneesall, Newark. This redundant village school building has been brought back to use by the combined efforts of the owners, Kneesall Estate and the Nursery owner, Mrs J. Geldard, with the help of CPD Architects, Southwell. An original three light window has been conserved and the roof repaired. The Nursery is now a thriving part of the community and an improvement to the street scene.
Past winners of the award
1989
Restoration. The Watermill Barn, Linby. Dr. and Mrs. J.L. Hart.
The winners received their award from Councillor J.H. Andrews, Deputy Mayor of Gedling Borough Council.
New. No award.
1990
Restoration. The Old Vicarage, Kinoulton. The Old Vicarage, Granby.
New. No award.
1991
Restoration. Conversion of malt store to dwelling, Frog’s Leap, Church Laneham.
New. Women’s Institute Building, Butt Field, East Bridgford.
1992
Restoration. The Old School, Awsworth.
New. Bungalows, Upton.
1993
Restoration. The Windmill at Tuxford.
New. No award.
1994
Restoration. Derelict farm buildings to The Buttercross Veterinary Centre, Long Acre, Bingham.
New. Elderly persons flats & bungalows, Negus Court, Cromwell Crescent, Lambley.
1995
Restoration. Boughton Village Hall.
New. No award.
1996
Restoration. The Watermill, Ollerton.
New. Cottages, Lexington Court, Laxton.
1997
Restoration. The Windmill, Eakring.
New. Changing Rooms, Boughton and Ollerton.
1998
Restoration. The Stables, Grange Court, Ruddington.
New. No award.
1999
Restoration. The Village Museum, Flintham.
New. The Medical Centre, East Bridgford.
2000
Restoration. Conversion of Farm Buildings to Tea Room/Gift Shop, Bingham Road, Cotgrave.
New. St Michael’s Cottage/Steeple View, Sutton Bonington.
2001
Restoration. The Barns and Farmhouse, Ridge Farm, Elton.
New. No award.
2002
Restoration. 36 Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
New. Wheelwrights Barn, Hill Road, Orston.
2003
Restoration. Flora Barn, Main Street, Hoveringham.
New. Rear Extension, Flora Barn, Main Street, Hoveringham.
2004
Restoration. Colston Bassett Store, Colston Bassett.
New. No award.
Note: After 2004 it was decided to run the awards on a biannual basis.
2006
Restoration. Joint Award to Ranter’s Farm, 103 Station Street, Misterton and 62 Castlegate, Newark.
New. No award.
2008
Restoration. The White Cottage, Misson.
New. No award.
2010
Restoration. The Coach House, Orston.
New. Thomas Cranmer Centre, Aslockton.
2012
Restoration. The Old Pumphouse, The Ropewalk, Nottingham.
New. Healy’s Wharf, Newark.
2014
Restoration. Orchard Cottages, Epperstone.
New. The Court, Epperstone.
2016
Restoration. Turncroft Farm, Edingley.
New. Wright’s Place, Keyworth.
2018
Restoration. House of Correction, Southwell.
New. Jude Park, East Markham.
2020
No Award Competition due to Covid.
2022
Restoration. Auld Cottage, Norwell.
New. No Award.
2024
Restoration. The Old Schoolroom, Wellow.
New. Middleton’s Yard, Worksop.