Kettering Borough Council is delighted after the East Midlands Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) recognised the successful restoration of the historic Elm Bank, and associated redevelopment by Avery Health Care Limited with DWA Architects, at Northampton Road, Kettering, for a 105 bed specialist care home.
The scheme has received a Commendation in the 2011 Regional RTPI Awards 'Regeneration' category.
All planning and heritage issues were successfully resolved through effective collaboration between the developers and officers from Kettering Borough Council's Development Services and the support of Councillors.
The Elm Bank site had previously been used as a Local Authority Day Care Facility where the original large residence had been adapted and extended over a number of years with various off shoots that were not seen to be harmonious with the architecture of the main Villa residence. Prior to this use the Villa, known as Elm Bank, was a private dwelling standing alone in a prominent position at the top of Northampton Road, Kettering. Designed by John Alfred Gotch, a leading local architect of the late 19th century, the original villa and buildings that remained from that time are Listed Grade II.
Bespoke new buildings designed around a courtyard at the rear of the site offer a specialist care home which is now completed. The redevelopment retains and re uses the original Villa now restored, with an attractive and managed landscape setting.
The site operator, Avery Health Care Limited, has said:
"It was important that the building became part of the community and support local trade."
Cath Bicknell, Head of Development Services at Kettering Borough Council said:
"This recognition is well deserved for Kettering". "It supports our belief in the value for the community, of securing good and sustainable developments within our regeneration programme".
Cllr Ian Jelley, Portfolio Holder for the Environment was delighted that with the project had been recognised he said:
“This is a landmark building in Kettering and I’m delighted that it has received this award. A large team of people have worked very hard to bring this project to fruition and the recognition is well deserved.”