Tabard Square in London's Southwark has been rated as one of the best new buildings in the UK, according to national charity The Civic Trust.
Built by Berkeley Homes, the 50,000 sq ft urban development, one the of largest mixed-use developments in London, has been ranked alongside historic developments such as The Roundhouse in Camden and the Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank in the 49th Civic Trust Awards honours. The Awards promote vitality, sustainability and high-quality design in the built environment.
Tabard Square involved the regeneration and transformation of 1.2 acres of brownfield land within Central London. The project was recognised at the Awards for its innovative design, public accessibility and its sensitive approach to the restoration of a historic site.
Tony Pidgley, Managing Director of The Berkeley Group plc, comments: "The Civic Trust's commitment to quality and the need to create vibrant communities strongly echo our own core principles, making our recognition in these awards all the more pleasing.
"Design excellence is a precious commodity, fundamental to the lasting success of any development, large or small. Getting this right is no easy task but by paying close attention to a scheme's every unique subtlety, we are able to create places which inspire and where people really do want to live work and relax.
"That is the real measure of success in regeneration, and is why The Civic Trust's promotion of excellence in standards of planning and architecture is such a benefit to all of us who care about the continuing renaissance of our towns and cities."
Tabard Square provides 572 homes and includes 29,000 sq ft of commercial space with the capacity for a 17,000 sq ft supermarket and a wide range of other facilities for residents and the local community. The mixed-use scheme consists of three buildings and a 22-storey landmark tower set around a landscaped public square on Long Lane, Borough.
In addition to The Civic Trust Award, Tabard Square has been recognised as Overall Winner of the Housing Design Awards 2007 and was also the recipient of a Gold Building for Life Award in 2007.