Off the back of being crowned Yorkshire’s Best Contractor*, Halifax-based construction company, Southdale has completed an impressive hat-trick of accolades by triumphing at the national Housing Excellence Awards in Manchester and Constructing Excellence in the North East Awards in Newcastle.
Southdale, which specialises in the social and residential housing and public build arena, added to its glittering success at the Yorkshire Property Awards, by winning the ‘Regeneration Scheme of the Year 2010’ at the Housing Excellence Awards and ‘Innovation’ award at Constructing Excellence in the North East Awards.
The Housing Excellence award was recognition of one of Southdale’s most innovative regeneration schemes, which transformed the formally blighted Deighton and Brackenhall areas of Huddersfield into a vibrant community containing 520 new homes for private sale and 100 properties for housing association rental. The award recognised how Southdale, in partnership with Kirklees MBC, had delivered the project on time and on budget, and completely regenerated two unpopular council estates littered with poor and outdated accommodation.
Southdale’s Innovation accolade at the Constructing Excellence in the North East Awards, was achieved as a result of the company’s £1.3 million refurbishment of a sheltered development in Consett, Durham. The project, completed in partnership with housing association, Derwentside Homes, converted a 1960’s bedsit flat scheme into 21 contemporary apartments for over-55s.
Paul Moore, managing director for Southdale, commented: “Winning three major construction awards in the space of just two weeks is a terrific achievement and again testament to the hard work of our dedicated team here at Southdale.
“Being recognised for our ability to innovate across a range of schemes and regenerate entire communities, demonstrates the breadth of our technical skills and experience within the construction of developments ranging from major social housing projects to schools, healthcare and extra-care facilities.”
Catriona Lingwood, chief executive for Constructing Excellence in the North East, commented: “In winning the award, Southdale and Derwentside Homes demonstrated an innovative procurement method, challenged the norm, embraced quality and delivered high aspirations for its tenants.”
Commenting on the Housing Excellence awards, Michelle McKenna, editor of Northern, Midlands and Southern Housing, said: “The Housing Excellence awards have come a long way since they were launched seven years ago and once again the event received tremendous support and a high calibre of entries.”
