Exeter’s St Sidwell’s Point and Edwards Court win top awards
Published: 23 June 2023
Two landmark developments funded by the City Council have won top honours at a leading annual property awards event.
St Sidwell’s Point leisure centre and Edwards Court Extra Care facility were both winners at the Michelmores Property Awards 2023, which celebrate excellence in the property and construction industry in the South West.
St Sidwell’s Point won Best Leisure and Tourism Project of the Year and the prestigious Building of the Year at the awards.
The judges said: “We were exceedingly impressed with the sustainable design, expertise and innovation that has gone into this project.
“St Sidwell’s Point is successful not only for being a visually outstanding addition to the community, with unrivalled customer experience, but also for being the UK’s first leisure centre built to the Passivhaus standard.”
Edwards Court won Project of the Year (over £5m). The judges said: “A 53-flat scheme built by Exeter City Council, Edwards Court is one of the most well designed buildings of its type.
“The Court combines accommodation with care and support services for people aged 55 and over and has incorporated new design thinking that aligns better with the requirements of elderly life, placing strong focus on community and companionship, as well as being the first UK healthcare facility built to Passivhaus standards.”
Both outstanding community facilities were funded by Exeter City Council and built by Kier.
Also honoured at the awards was former Chief Executive and Growth Director of Exeter City Council Karime Hassan, who won the John Laurence Special Contribution award for “working tirelessly to transform Exeter into a knowledge economy, and internationally recognised city of culture”.
City Council Leader Cllr Phil Bialyk said: “I am delighted with this latest success and the recognition that it brings for the Council’s significant investment in top quality community facilities for the residents of Exeter.
“It is great news that we have been recognised in this way, and I know that the quality of design and construction means that these much-loved facilities will continue to serve the people of Exeter for many decades to come.”