Civic Trust Annual Review 2008

Better Places For People

annual review 2008

Better Places for People The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

The Civic Trust – our vision, values and objectives The Civic Trust works for better places in which people can live, work and relax. We believe that these places must be designed and built to respond to the needs of the people who use them. They must be accessible to, and safe for, their communities. Our work encompasses four themes: People and Places in the Community, Better Places in the Built Environment, Better Places in the Green Environment and Policy and Campaigns. Our objectives and achievements are highlighted in each of these themes, showing the progress which has been made in both new and longer term programmes. The Civic Trust continues to be a powerful, definitive and distinctive voice which helps communities to imagine, shape and deliver inspiring places and an enduring future. The Civic Trust will enhance the general well-being and quality of lives of people and communities by working with them to value, enjoy and provide aesthetic, prosperous and greener places for a sustainable Britain. That is our vision.

04

To achieve our goals we shall: • Bring together and promote the views of a wide range of people to influence decision makers and shape our communities. • Use professionally and technically competent people to promote best practice • Recognise those people and places that reach the highest standards. The strategic objectives to help the Civic Trust achieve its vision are: • To strengthen and grow an active civic movement. • To empower communities and residents to raise standards in their environment of the future. • Work with local and national government to influence and shape policies.

PEOPLE AND PLACES IN THE COMMUNITY

Civic Societies and other members – a nationwide network of over 750 Civic Societies with 250,000 members, many of whom are actively improving the places that matter to them and helping to develop and promote the interests of the local community. Heritage Open Days – a celebration of the country’s heritage where 3,500 buildings from mosques to museums open free of charge, staffed by a network of 35,000 volunteers. An education programme is founded on Heritage Open Days and engages with school children of all ages to bring our heritage alive for them. Made In England – an online showcase which celebrates England’s manufacturing heritage and highlights surviving crafts and skills BizFizz – exploring and supporting entrepreneurial ideas in 21 deprived local communities using innovative coaching methods and networking. Civic Champions – training people who are dedicated to their local community and who wish to become local entrepreneurs.

Regeneration – a consultancy service which provides proposals for the sustainable and sympathetic regeneration of town and city centres. NightVision – a unique approach to improving town and city centres at night, making them welcoming and attractive to all. Purple Flag – a pilot scheme to reward town and city centres which have developed a thriving and inclusive night time economy. Sacred Places Tourism – a partnership with other organisations to enhance the experience of all those who visit churches and sacred buildings. Every Action Counts – training for local people who want to make an environmental difference to the places in which they live, work and relax.

St George’s Hall, Liverpool Photo: Morley Von Sternberg

Winner of the Civic Trust’s City of Culture Award 2008, renovated by Purcell Miller Tritton LLP. This scheme provides a new focal point for Liverpool City Centre, and deservedly, is a popular source of civic pride. Originally designed in the 1830’s as a civic

hall and courts, St George’s Hall has been brought back into use after 23 years of closure. The renovation of the Grade II listed building, and improvements to the external works has restored a great asset to the community and the city. A wonderful symbol for an historic, internationally acclaimed city.

Our values It is important to us that the outcome of our work: • Promotes a feeling of civic pride. • Fosters community involvement and facilitates active participation in democratic processes. • Preserves the best of the past. • Designs for a sustainable future. As an organisation we will: • Empower people from all walks of life who share our hopes and aspirations. • Respect the views of others and continue to act as an honest broker to seek positive outcomes for the whole community. • Collaborate in bringing about change for the benefit of communities. • Challenge those things that work against the interest of a thriving community. • Acknowledge the business community’s role in creating prosperity. • Nurture creative and inspiring outcomes. • Be professional and well informed.

12

BETTER PLACES IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Civic Trust Awards – recognising outstanding architecture which improves the quality of life for local communities. Built Environment Network (BE-Net) – an online interactive archive of Civic Trust Award winning buildings, which highlights changing design over the 49 years of the Award scheme.

14

BETTER PLACES IN THE GREEN ENVIRONMENT

Green Flag Award Scheme – the national standard which rewards excellence in public parks and green spaces, with a focus on community involvement

17

POLICY AND CAMPAIGNS

We undertake research, policy development and campaigning on issues that are of serious concern to members and local communities.

Green Pennant Award – celebrating the best of community run spaces. Eco Challenge – a project offering pupils from 22 of the most disadvantaged urban areas of England the opportunity to experience and enjoy the natural environment. Country Parks Network – a webbased network of over 350 country parks, sharing best practice and ideas. Community Spaces – supporting community groups in developing applications for funding to improve their local environment.

01

Better Places for People The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

Griff Rhys Jones, President

Foreword and introduction // All over Britain people who love and care about their towns and cities work to take responsibility for something that affects us all - our local landscape. I salute them, respect them and am delighted to be made their President and to support the work of the Civic Trust. Personally I love townscape, I love exploring streets. I love seeing what is round the next corner, lighting upon the unexpected Georgian square or the neat row of workers cottages or the old tiled walls of a Welsh dairy. My affection for towns extends to most outlying borough or the furthest flung allotment. I love the dropping calm of a wooded close. I like the noisy bustle of an improvised street market. I want to pass through that arch and into the square, or go down that alley. What am I looking for? I think it is human imagination. It is the right to belong together in places that makes cities, towns, villages, suburbs and even malls so potentially attractive. It all stimulates, uplifts and ennobles. This is not just a search for the olde worlde, or the quaint. Modern imaginative development gets me going just as much, especially if they embody some individuality, some quirk, some respect for the local amenity. It is neglect, blatant self interest, lack of scale and sympathy that hurts. It is the dominance of inappropriate demands of traffic, commerciality or advertising that blight.

02

Making Restoration I realised more than anything else that people do care. They want to know what is going on – what is going to be built, who is taking things down or putting things up. They want to be involved. They want to save buildings they love. They want to see what can be done to make simple and direct changes. They want to be told about what is to be imposed on areas they know well. And on the whole they don’t know how to make their voice heard. But if they don’t, then they should. If I could assist in one thing it would be to make people aware of how helpful their interest can be. Communities are an ideal place to create a genuine lobby, to show that the built environment affects everybody on a daily basis. We all need to say that yes, it is my back yard thanks, and I want to have a voice. I can only hope that collectively we can gain a voice and make our feelings known. I have learned that we must step forward and speak up, and this is the reason why I am so honoured to be asked to be President of an organisation that enshrines those virtues. I salute all who take the time to join up, speak up and take note. // Griff Rhys Jones President

Alpine House, Kew Gardens A Civic Trust Award winner, this stunning glass building provides a gateway and focal point for Kew’s Rock Gardens.

Essex University Lecture Hall This Civic Trust Award winner reflects existing mature trees and passing people, giving a lively, people-centred feel to the area.

Rooftop Nursery Receiving a Mention in the 2008 Civic Trust Awards, this nursery provides a much needed, and well liked facility for local people.

Photo: Helen Binet

Photo: Charlotte Wood Photography

Photo: Tony Montana

Philip Kolvin, Chairman

// We were absolutely thrilled when Griff Rhys Jones joined the Civic Trust as our President. Griff is as passionate as we are about the importance of people in place making, and we look forward to working with him to raise the profile of the Civic Trust, our campaigns, views and achievements – and the achievements of all of our members. More and more communities are becoming involved with the Civic Trust through programmes such as Heritage Open Days, which this year saw over one million people visiting 3,500 properties to explore their heritage. Many of these events are supported by our civic society members, who continue to work so tirelessly to improve their own communities. We are developing and launching innovative programmes, such as Purple Flag, and High Street, which are bringing together local authorities, businesses and communities in improving the places where we all live, work and relax. This review showcases the achievements of the Civic Trust, and of our members. With your help and support, we shall continue to celebrate and care for the past, and to influence the places, spaces and people that are our future. // Philip Kolvin Chairman

National Cold War Museum Sustainability Award winner 2008 - this stunning building provides a new controlled environment display for the collection of historic aircraft. Photo: Hufton and Crow

Civic Trust Awards Ceremony The Civic Trust Awards 2008 were hosted in Newcastle by historian and broadcaster John Grundy. Photo: Andy Paraskos

Hazelwood School, Glasgow Civic Trust Award winner 2008 - the inclusive ethos of the school is embodied in the structure, interior design and fit out. Photo: Andrew Lee

03

Better Places for People The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008 The Gold Route, Sheffield A Civic Trust Award winner, this popular, imaginative and welcoming scheme highlights the heart of Sheffield and brings together different areas in an attractive and innovative streetscape. Photo: Sheffield City Council

People and Places in the Community People make places. Vibrant and healthy communities are about the places where they live, and play an active part in ensuring that they grow and survive.

04

The Civic Trust has provided training events and lectures throughout the year, from Every Action Counts (environmental training) to lectures by built environment professionals. Feedback has been positive.

// The speaker was excellent and answered peoples questions well and to the point. //

// A highly accomplished speaker who was very clear, enthusiastic and easily understood. //

Civic Societies Civic Societies represent us all. They are groups of local people who, like the Civic Trust, are passionate about the places in which we all live, work and relax. Civic Society members work to improve their environment, through campaigning, education, fund raising and direct action. They undertake a wide range of activities, from renovating buildings, working with planning departments and proposing local improvements.

// The talk gave us the information to support objections and how best to be influential on local policy making. //

// A very useful overview of the legislation and procedures around licensing laws. //

The voice of the Civic Society movement is strong and informs the policies and programmes of the Civic Trust. In turn, we represent the views of our members in our campaigning work with Government and policy making organisations. The Civic Trust provides a central helpdesk for Civic Societies. We support nine Regional Associations, who in turn, offer practical support to local Civic Societies, for example, through organising networking events and annual conferences.

Over 700 Civic Societies are members of the Civic Trust and their commitment and practical support for our programmes is vital. Over 100 Civic Societies were involved in Heritage Open Days this year, opening buildings, offering guided walks, or giving talks. Over 40 Civic Society members volunteer as local assessors for the Civic Trust Awards, and many Civic Societies run local awards schemes to encourage and promote good design and architecture in their own communities.

York Civic Trust More than 100 young people swapped their trainers and T shirts for 18th century costumes and staged their own Georgian Ball as part of an event organised by York Civic Trust.

York Civic Trust’s Georgian Ball Photo: York Civic Trust

York Civic Trust is home to the first Young Civic Trust in the UK, and wanted young people to become more aware of their heritage in an enjoyable way - and above all, to participate. Young people from a selection of secondary schools in the city were invited to take part, and York Civic Trust drew upon local expertise to teach them about 18th century life, social etiquette and social graces.

Costumes were chosen, and in some cases made, in preparation for the ball, which took place in September at York’s spectacular Palladian Assembly Rooms. Students received specialist dancing lessons, which one male student believed were “harder than rugby.” Darrell Buttery, President of York Civic Trust, whose idea it was to create this young York Civic Trust event, added that there had been two smaller balls over the last five years but that this was the first time since 1951 that a large scale Georgian Ball had been re-created. He commented: “As a teacher, and one who loves the 18th Century, I was worried that not enough

was being done to introduce the 18th Century to 6th formers, as it appears that this period in history is not currently being studied as part of their ‘A’ level courses.” Student James Bailey, 18, who has been involved in Young York Civic Trust events in the past, said the experience had been unique. “I haven’t studied this period of history at school and enjoyed visiting different Georgian Houses; it has really given me a greater understanding of Georgian life. The project has been inspirational!” www.yorkcivictrust.co.uk

05

Better Places for People The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

Blackpool Illuminations Weather Tableau Photo: Blackpool Illuminations

BLACKPOOL CIVIC TRUST The Blackpool Civic Trust was formed in 1975 to encourage and support the town of Blackpool and its people.

The Trust arranges a busy programme of talks, walks and events, including day trips to other like minded societies in Liverpool and York.

The Trust undertakes a wide range of activities which celebrate and promote the town, including their Awards of Merit, which recognise and reward local architecture and building. The Trust has developed a relationship with the local sixth form, and encourage a group of local teenagers to view and comment upon the local planning applications.

Blackpool Civic Trust are involved in a very successful Heritage Open Days programme, and work closely with the council, which this year sponsored the printing of 8000 leaflets to advertise their twenty events. The Trust is already looking to hold a bigger and better Heritage Open Days in 2009.

Blackpool Civic Trust

We said we would: • Begin to develop a coherent and proactive national Civic Society movement We have: • Produced four issues of our membership magazine, “Grass Roots” which highlights individual Society activities and successes. • Launched the new Civic Societies website (www. civicsocieties.org.uk), including the online discussion forum, which allows Societies across the country to share best practice, ask questions and discuss topical issues. • Provided a free, individual webpage for every Civic Society member on the new website, giving each an online presence. • Developed our membership database to capture the interests of members, ensuring that they receive targeted communications which are of interest to them. • Conducted surveys and questionnaires to canvass members’ views, which in turn, help us to formulate policy and campaigns. • Responded to ten Government consultations on behalf of our members on issues as diverse as Permitted

WAKEFIELD CIVIC SOCIETY’S KATE TAYLOR IS A LOCAL ASSESSOR FOR THE NATIONAL CIVIC TRUST AWARDS Wakefield Civic Society has long held their own building design awards, which are given every two years. The Society presents the awards to encourage and highlight good design in their town.

Wakefield Civic Society Wakefield Civic Society also manage a Blue Plaque scheme to commemorate notable buildings and residents. Photo: Wakefield Civic Society

06

// It will be even better next year because we are going to have a get together with one person from each venue to have a discussion on any improvements we can make. //

Civic Society member Kate Taylor is involved with the local awards, and three/four years ago decided to become a local assessor for the national Civic Trust Awards. Each year, entries are judged by teams comprising an architect, access assessor, local authority advisor and the local assessor, who

• •

Development Rights and the Housing Green Paper. Led a campaign against elements of the Planning White Paper, and inspired sixty Civic Societies to voice their own local objections through writing to MPs and Ministers. Undertaken a drive to encourage Civic Society members to register their email addresses with the Civic Trust so that we can send out timely and relevant communications. This also allows us to produce speedy and representative responses to Government consultations.

canvasses and voices the opinions of the local community. Kate said “I spoke to the chair of the local Civic Society, and one of the local councillors, to get their opinions. Then I spent a happy morning by the scheme, stopping as many people as I could – young and old, couples and people walking alone, mothers with prams, youths with bicycles… There is always an access assessor in the team, and it is good to learn from their perspective; is the structure suitable for people with mobility problems? Is there somewhere for the weary to sit? Are there hazards for the visually impaired?

We walked, as a team, in pouring rain, around the scheme. Then we had a lengthy session indoors whilst we dried out, covering a range of subjects, from quality of design and impact on regeneration to acceptance (or otherwise) by the local community. Being a local assessor is always interesting and different; we visit different schemes and meet different architects each year, and I would really encourage other members to take on the important local assessor role.”

Heritage Open Days (HODs) Buildings are so much more than structures. They play a large role in our lives, from the buildings where we learn and live, to those which provide space for worship and sport. Heritage is the combination of people and places, and the stories that become their history. Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s architecture, history and culture over one long weekend in September, when buildings which are normally closed to the public, or which normally charge for entry, are opened free of charge. From castles to factories, town halls to barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples, buildings of all sizes and functions are open for tours and events. Heritage Open Days was established in 1994 as England’s contribution to European Heritage Open Days in which 49 countries now participate. The Civic Trust co-ordinates Heritage Open Days in partnership with English Heritage. Thanks to over 35,000 volunteers who share their knowledge and memories with around 1 million visitors every year, Heritage Open Days is England’s largest voluntary cultural event. We said we would: • Increase the number, diversity and geographical spread of sites opening for Heritage Open Days. • Promote Heritage Open Days to young people. • Raise the profile of Heritage Open Days locally and nationally. • Streamline administration and communication.

• • •

• •

•

the percentage of parties with children attending the event (32% in comparison with 21% in 2006). Negotiated an extension to our Heritage Lottery funding of the successful Heritage Open Days Education programme for schools. Worked with English Heritage, the National Trust and the Historic Houses Association to open 228 of their sites across England free of charge during HODs Redesigned the website and online directory and increased visits to the HODs website by almost 13% from the previous year. Visitors used the website during the five months up to and including HODs to plan their visits. Launched “Made in England” a new campaign to celebrate English manufacturing locations, traditions and skills as an important part of this country’s cultural heritage. Have again achieved excellent media coverage with over 1,000 articles or pieces featuring or mentioning the event. Coverage in national magazines ranged from BBC History Magazine to the Ecologist. Among the national newspapers, Sunday Telegraph (Seven), The Guardian (Family & Review), The Times (The Knowledge & Travel) and The Independent (Main) picked up on HODs. We estimate that HODs achieved around 90% coverage on the local radio network. Introduced for the first time online registration to help us cope with the significant increase in participation. 1/3 of the HODs programme was registered online

We have: • Increased the diversity of our visitors from the previous year, with a 10% increase in visitors from our priority groups, including the BME and lower income communities. Over 3,500 properties opened across the country, including 231 industrial sites, 70 theatres and cinemas, 60 archaeological sites and 87 libraries and archives. • Reduced the overall age of HODs visitors and increased

Victoria Baths Visitors to Victoria Baths were able to enjoy a demonstration of stained glass.

Peace Pagoda Local people were able to take a tour of the Peace Pagoda in Birmingham.

Photo: Victoria Baths

Photo: Julian Calder

Ryhope Pigeon Cree Built in 1955, this pigeon cree in the North East is actually a listed building, and opened to visitors during Heritage Open Days. Photo: Lewis Llewellyn

07

Better Places for People The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

Elisabeth Jennings Elisabeth Jennings is registered disabled and wanted to turn her photography hobby into a business. She had already spent many hours taking photographs of celebrities (with their permission!), and decided to share her expertise by running workshops. A fellow BizFizz client suggested that Elisabeth should contact the local coach, who has helped her to find funding, hold an exhibition and negotiate a sponsorship deal.

// I’m so sorry to keep bothering you – I can’t believe I’ve taken up so much of your time without it causing you a problem. //

Paul Davies Paul Davies has been a BizFizz coach for three years and has recently won SFEDI’s (Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative) Enterprise Champion Support Professional Award.

Elisabeth Jennings Photographer, Horton Grange, Bradford

// In three years, we’ve helped create 70 new businesses, which just goes to show the impact that local and well supported business support actually has, it does make a huge difference. // Paul Davies BizzFizz Coach

the success of BizFizz. This ability to unleash local expertise is unique to BizFizz. We said we would: • Continue to support local entrepreneurs to develop business ideas in their communities. • Extend the BizFizz network into new locations

BIZFIZZ In any community there are people who want to do things, who have a passion – based on an idea, a skill, a hobby or an interest – that they could turn into a business. BizFizz was launched in 2001 and is an innovative national programme for entrepreneurs. It supports local start-ups, micro and small enterprises in areas experiencing economic disadvantage. It turns the passion and enthusiasm of individuals into a driving force for local economic renewal by mobilising the skills and resources within communities. BizFizz has worked in 30 areas across England and Scotland where BizFizz coaches help entrepreneurs to develop their businesses in their own communities. Each community has a local panel of experienced people who offer their skills and advice to the new businesses, and these people are critical to

BizFizz networking event Bringing together a network of experienced volunteers to help new entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.

08

Photo: BizFizz

We have: • Expanded BizFizz into 21 locations across England and Scotland with the new economics foundation. BizFizz is now helping communities in Burslem (Stoke), Clowne (Derbyshire), Hastings (Sussex), Holmewood/Quadrant (Bradford), Horton Grange (Bradford), Hucknall and Kirby (Nottinghamshire), Keighley (Airedale), Lakenham (Norwich), Mansfield Woodhouse (Nottingham), Mile Cross (Norwich), Port Glasgow (Inverclyde), Shipley (Airedale), Shirebrook (Nottinghamshire), South Normanton (Nottinghamshire), Sutton in Ashfield (Nottinghamshire), Thorpe Hamlet (Norwich), Wansbeck (Northumberland), Warsop (Nottinghamshire), Weardale (County Durham), West of Norwich (Bowthorpe, Larkman, Marlpit, Earlham). • Continued to work with the new economics foundation to develop and deliver BizFizz

Peter Gill, BizFizz client Peter used the support of a BizFizz coach to establish his new business. Photo: Peter Gill

Bag by BizFizz client BizFizz client Lisa Angel has launched her successful business (lisaangel.com), designing and selling jewellery and fashion items. Photo: Lisa Angel

// The BizFizz Coach has put me in touch with so many helpful people on the panel. I have had help with marketing, sponsorship for my fashion show, help with my website, my cashflow forecast, I got a great contact with radio Norfolk that resulted in a lot of local support for my business. The whole team of people have opened doors for me – there is nothing to stop me now. I don’t know how other people in a similar position to me cope without the kind of support I have had from the Coach and all the other people locally. I think that is why a lot of businesses are less successful when they start up. //

// The BizFizz experience over the last two years of working in partnership with other support agencies and the Council, and its demonstrated ability to provide support into the heart of the community has resulted in local enterprise coaching becoming a key part of CWEA’s economic strategy. // David Horstead Chester and Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA), Director of Strategy and Intelligence

Lisa Angel Fashion Designer, Bowthorpe

•

•

Promoted the innovative coaching methodology to Government, which resulted in BERR (Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) announcing that they recommend local community business coaching as part of their “simplifying business support” agenda. Produced a BizFizz Report highlighting the positive changes that BizFizz has brought to the communities in which it has been active.

Civic Champions Civic Champions are people who have real commitment to their communities. They set up local business, run youth clubs, lead Civic Societies and join voluntary groups. We support Civic Champions by training them in skills such as business planning and fund raising.

Responso Scribimus

BizFizz worked with redundant marketing manager Peter Gill to set up a creative services business. Specialising in will writing and completing official forms and contracts, Peter also writes corporate mission statements and brochures. His business also offers probate investigation to track down the living relatives of a person who has died without leaving a will so that any inheritance can be rightly claimed.

The Atom, Pendle, Lancashire Civic Trust Award winner 2008 - a striking egg shaped structure, which is a viewing point, shelter and intriguing object.

National Committee Chairs of the Regional Associations come together as a National Committee to discuss civic society matters.

NWACTS Training Day Members of the North West Association of Civic Trust Societies enjoy a training day in Preston, Lancashire.

Photo: Architecture Central Workshop

Photo: The Civic Trust

Photo: The Civic Trust

09

Better Places for People The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

REGENERATION

Pilot projects have taken place in eight locations across the UK, and additional pilots are taking place in Westminster, Manchester, Birmingham, Kingston, Bath and Oxford.

PURPLE FLAG Whilst the rapid growth in eating, drinking, dancing and socialising in town centres can be seen as a success story, it has also raised concerns over the management and maintenance of town and city centres. After feedback from civic society members, the Civic Trust spent three years researching the night time economy. The Government funded research resulted in the “Night Vision” report, which stresses the need for diversity in the night time economy. Following extensive research and consultation, the Civic Trust has developed a new “gold standard” for entertainment and hospitality areas at night. Purple Flag has taken into account the findings of the “NightVision” report, and is based on the standards that people expect from their town centres. Locations that meet the standard will qualify for a Purple Flag. Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town centres from 5pm to 9am. It encourages all stakeholders to work together, from licensees and theatres, to local authorities and residents. By doing this, the scheme will co-ordinate the efforts of the public and private sector, and aims to replace the negative perceptions of the night time economy with a positive vision. In turn, this will enhance the economic, cultural and leisure potential of our town and city centres, for the enjoyment of all age groups.

We said we would: • Develop the depth and specialism of the product to respond to competition and sustain the programme in the long term. • Achieve a positive profile and credibility in an area of major national concern affecting Civic Societies. • Develop the Purple Flag standards with the help of national experts • Pioneer the Purple Flag methodology in an intensive series of Purple Flag pathfinder pilots. We have: • Started a new High Street programme in Princes Risborough. • Launched an additional six pilots of the Purple Flag to ensure that the criteria and application systems are robust. • Launched the Purple Flag to a Parliamentary audience of over 60 people. • Attracted 45 local authorities to express an interest in the new accreditation scheme. • Launched the “NightVision” Award at the Civic Trust Awards.

Purple Flag was launched to a Parliamentary audience by Dawn Primarolo, Minister of State for Public Health, who commended the initiative.

10

Manchester China Town A successful evening economy offers is one which is attractive, safe and vibrant.

German Christmas Market A successful evening economy offers is one which is attractive, safe and vibrant.

Great Malvern High Street A partnership between local people, businesses and authorities working to develop a thirving local economy.

Photo: Hannah Mummery

Photo: Hannah Mummery

Photo: Bridget Orr

The Royal Festival Hall The Royal Festival Hall, London was the winner of the Civic Trust’s “NightVision” Award in 2008. This award was given for the first time to celebrate the Trust’s “NightVision” report which stressed the need for diversity within the night time economy. The Royal Festival Hall has made a fantastic contribution to the public realm, bringing life and activity to the area. The scheme has reshaped the entire environment surrounding the Royal Festival Hall, and has been critical to the renaissance of London’s South Bank, providing a world class public space.

// A well managed evening economy enhances the economic, cultural and leisure potential of our town and city centres, and the Civic Trust is delighted by the success of the Royal Festival Hall in developing a vibrant public space. // Paul Davies Head of Policy & Development, The Civic Trust

The Westminster Pavilion in the refurbished Royal Festival Hall Winner of the Civic Trust’s “NightVision” Award, the Royal Festival Hall has transformed the South Bank area. Photo: Dennis Gilbert/View

HIGH STREET UK

CONSULTANCY FOR BETTER PLACES

Building on the success and experience gained from our regeneration work and pilot schemes, the Civic Trust has launched its innovative High Street programme. High Street harnesses the energies of local people to improve their town centres.

Vibrant, attractive and sage town and city centres bring communities together. A successful town centre provides opportunities for eating, drinking, socialising, shopping, exploring and relaxing for all ages and backgrounds, at any time of day or night.

Great Malvern, Worcestershire was the first town in the UK to take part in the programme, and has been joined by Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire where residents, traders, councillors and the local civic society are working together to deliver the four themes of the programme. Local co-ordination, good design, promotion of the town, and economic development are brought together to improve the town for all.

The Civic Trust’s regeneration team provides practical plans for the revitalisation of villages, towns and cities to make sure that they meet the needs of all stakeholders from local authorities to local residents.

// As with many small Market Towns across the country in recent years, Princes Risborough High Street has been battling against the tide of large “out of town” supermarkets and huge new shopping centres in neighbouring bigger towns. As part of our efforts to keep our town centre alive we have already revamped and expanded our weekly market and the Town Council has allocated funds to introduce a much needed one-way system in the High Street. The next step is for a broader

With over 50 years of professional regeneration and urban design experience, the Civic Trust has made a difference to development schemes all over the UK.

regeneration project for the Town Centre and we are very pleased to be working to that end in partnership with the Civic Trust. Although the Town Council has been working towards these measures for some time, the current economic climate means that this project is now essential if Princes Risborough is to survive as a thriving Market Town. //

Alan Turner Mayor

11

Better Places for People The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008 East Beach Café, Littlehampton, Sussex Civic Trust Award winner 2008 - an amazing seafront structure, the building is sliced diagonally into ribbons which wrap up and over the building, and has become an iconic structure for Littlehampton. Photo: Andy Stagg

Better Places in the Built Environment Through our campaigning work, policy development and awards schemes, the Civic Trust has always recognised and highlighted the importance of the built environment. Successful buildings are inspirational, architecturally significant and have a positive effect on the communities that use them. We believe that people deserve better places where they can live, work, learn and relax. 12

• • Civic Trust Awards Launched in 1959, the Civic Trust Awards is the oldest built environment award scheme in Europe. From cafes and churches to housing and hospitals, the Civic Trust has rewarded almost 6,000 buildings which have made a difference to their communities by providing the design and facilities which have made better places for local people. The Civic Trust Awards are unique. They recognise the best in the built environment, from architecture to planning, townscape to infrastructure – but they are about so much more than this. They recognise the public realm in its wider context and our continuing belief that development should be for the benefit of people. We said we would: • Continue to encourage a wide range of entries to the Civic Trust Awards. • Raise the profile of the unique nature of the Civic Trust Awards • Maintain and increase the number of invaluable volunteers who judge the Civic Trust Awards. • Expand the Civic Trust Awards. • Streamline the entry process. We have: • Attracted 408 entries into the Civic Trust Awards, resulting in 21 winners of an Award. 50 schemes received Commendations and 23 were given Mentions. • Attracted entries from new sectors, including wind farms, and increased entries from education and restoration schemes. • Launched the new Civic Trust Awards website (www. civictrustawards.org.uk) which highlights winners and sponsors, provides assessor information and built environment news updates. • Organised the Civic Trust Awards gala dinner at Newcastle’s Civic Centre, where winners were announced in front of over 350 guests. Guests also enjoyed local tours culminating in a special raising of Newcastle’s famous Millennium Bridge. • Introduced two new Special Awards, with ICI Paints and

// We are proud to support the Civic Trust in working towards aesthetic, practical and sustainable designs that enhance the quality of lives of people and communities. // ICI Paints Sponsors of the Access award

// We support the Civic Trust Sustainability Award so that excellence can be revealed, recognised and rewarded. // Aggregate Industries sponsors of the Sustainability Award

• •

CABE respectively sponsoring Awards for Access and Streets. Worked with 92 local authorities and 280 professional and local assessors to judge the Civic Trust Awards. Strnegthened the national judging panel with the appointment of professionals from the environmental and inclusive design fields. Promoted the Civic Trust Awards in the national media, and generated £93,000 worth of press coverage Introduced an online entry process, saving time and resources.

Built Environment Network For half a century the Civic Trust has run the Civic Trust Awards. This has generated an amazing archive containing details of over 1000 Award winning schemes, and a further 4,500 buildings which have received Commendations and Mentions. This unique collection is a valuable source of information about successful design since 1959 and we are developing a major project to create and expand online, interactive archives. We said we would: • Advance our preparation for BE-Net, a new learning tool comprising a searchable database of photographs, judges’ opinions and subsequent analyses of winning buildings from The Civic Trust Awards’ scheme. We have: • Launched an appeal for volunteers at the Civic Trust Awards Exhibition. These volunteers are undertaking retrospective assessments of previous winners. • Developed a prototype website where the public will be able to view previous award winners and leave their own assessments and comments.

// I am passionate about the centres of our cities. This is a terrific opportunity to recognise the good work that is being done instead of always concentrating on the problems and missed opportunities. // Griff Rhys Jones, President, the Civic Trust

// I became involved as a local assessor as I have always been interested in architecture and design. During the judging I enjoy mixing with professional architects and sharing their knowledge. // Terry Edgar Local Assessor

13

Better Places for People The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008 The Outwoods, Charnwood Borough Council, East Midlands Green Flag Award winner 2008 - an historic woodland which enjoys considerable support from local volunteers, including students and staff from local companies. Photo: Eric Webster

Better Places in the Green Environment Our green environment provides us with places in which to work, relax, socialise and play. From country parks to cemeteries, and water gardens to nature reserves, quality green spaces make a difference to the lives of our communities. 14

Green Flag Award Scheme The Green Flag Award Scheme is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. Free of charge, Green Flag Award winning sites can be rural or urban, wild or formal, and all provide a welcoming and well managed space for their local community. Volunteers are key to the success of the Green Flag Award Scheme, with an experienced and professional network of judges who visit each site over a period of two months each year. Many parks owe a huge debt of thanks to other volunteers; people from the community who fundraise, hold events and help to maintain their parks. Friends Groups, Civic Societies and individuals across the country work hard alongside parks professionals to improve green spaces for everyone. This year, 79 community and voluntary groups entered their own green spaces for the Green Pennant Award, resulting in 73 winners across England and Wales. The high quality spaces include churchyards, village greens, allotments and an urban farm, providing valuable green places in the heart of their communities. The Green Pennant Award recognises and rewards the dedication and effort of these committed groups. The Civic Trust is contracted to manage the delivery of the Green Flag Award Scheme, which is supported by Communities and Local Government. The Scheme is steered by the Green Flag Advisory Board which comprises founders of the scheme, sponsors, winners, judges and a community representative.

We said we would: • Attract 621 entries to the Green Flag Award Scheme. • Attract entries from 60% of local authority areas • Have a network of at least 560 judges • Publicise the Green Flag Award Scheme • Continue to develop our online systems • Consider options for extending the Green Flag Award Scheme We have: • Attracted 863 applications in England and Wales last year, resulting in 732 winners. In addition 42 sites won Green Heritage Site Accreditation and 73 community and voluntary run green spaces won a Green Pennant Award. • Attracted entries from 71% of local authority areas, which resulted in 67% of local authority areas having one or more award winning site. • Trained over 600 green space professionals as Green Flag Award judges. • Generated over a quarter of a million pounds of coverage in local, regional and national press. • Organised the national Green Flag Award ceremony in European Capital of Culture, Liverpool, where over 1500 park professionals, councillors and Friends Groups collected their Green Flags and Pennants, followed by a celebratory dinner for 500 people. • Piloted the Green Flag Award Scheme in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Holland, with 6 applications and 6 winning sites • Introduced sponsored Special Awards for Innovation which highlighted excellence in each of the assessment criteria for the Green Flag Award Scheme.

//

Sheffield Winter Gardens Green Flag Award winner 2008 - a spectacular indoor park which provides an important city centre amenity.

Greenwich Park Green Flag Award winner 2008 - a key part of the Greenwich Maritime World Heritage Site, this park has around 4 million vistors each year.

Photo: Sheffield City Council

Photo: The Royal Parks

Judging is both enjoyable and rewarding. Judges make new friends in park managers; they contribute to the development and improvement of parks, and they learn and can take forward innovative ideas to other parks they judge. // Tom Risely Green Flag Award Judge

15

Country Parks Better Places for People The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

Network

Eco Challenge

Country Parks Network

Eco Challenge is funded through the Big Lottery Fund Changing Spaces programme and environmental education charity the Field Studies Council is leading on the project in partnership with the Civic Trust. Eco Challenge is a three year project offering around 7500 pupils from 250 schools in 22 of the most disadvantaged urban areas of England the opportunity to experience and enjoy the natural environment.

Owned by Natural England, the Country Parks Network is a virtual network of over 350 identified sites, of which 245 are registered members. Members are committed to the best management, maintenance and staff training to ensure that country parks provide a real benefit for the community.

We said we would: • Identify and recruit suitable providers for in each project area to deliver post course activity • Capture details of all activities that providers can deliver in each project area • Co-ordinate post course activity for all schools who complete a residential course at Field Studies Council centre We have: • Promoted the project to potential post course providers in all areas where the project has been opened • Recruited more than 20 post course providers across the country to deliver post course sessions • Helped co-ordinate more than 25 sessions of post course activity including environmental surveys school grounds improvement work and practical conservation tasks

Community Spaces The programme is managed by Groundwork UK on behalf of a consortium of environmental organisations, including the Civic Trust, who are recruiting and training facilitators to support local groups with their projects. The consortium manages the Community Spaces programme on behalf of the Big Lottery Fund.

We said we would: • Maintain an up to date contacts database • Develop and manage the network • Maintain and develop the Country Parks network website in accordance with user satisfaction • Raise awareness and capacity of those managing Country Parks through skills, training and personal development. We have: • Continued regular communication with all of our members to ensure a fully engaged network, including quarterly newsletters and fortnightly e-news alerts • Continued to make improvements to the CPN website, updating regularly with the latest news, events and guidance • Undertaken a full analysis of training needs through a survey of all CPN members • Contributed to the development of new criteria to redefine site typology for Country Parks • Delivered a successful pilot of the Country Parks Accreditation scheme assessing 17 Country Park sites against the newly developed criteria

We said we would: • Recruit and train at least 50 facilitators • Allocate a facilitator to each project application We have: • Recruited and trained 52 facilitators who help community groups to develop their applications. • We have allocated facilitators to over 200 projects.

16

Centre for Wildlife Gardening Green Pennant Award winner 2008 - a small urban retreat, the centre is host to a range of community projects.

Morgan Jones Park, Caerphilly Green Flag Award winner 2008 - the park offers a wide range of activities for the local community, including a grass maze and wildflower meadow.

Sefton Park Palm House Green Pennant Award winner 2008 - volunteers provide a programme of fifty events each year at this Grade II listed Victorian building.

Photo: Tracey Neil

Photo: Jerry Ryan

Photo: Palm House Preservation Trust

St Mary Magdalene Church, Croome Park, Worcestershire St Mary Magdalene Church was one of over 3,500 properties which opened for Heritage Open Days. The Civic Trust supports the preservation and development of our heritage, and campaigned strongly against elements of the draft Heritage Bill. Photo: National Trust

Policy and Campaigns From the proposal for the sympathetic development of Piccadilly Circus in 1959, to the recent campaign against elements of the Planning Bill, the Civic Trust has always been active in the development and preservation of our towns and cities, reflecting members’ needs and interests. 17

Policy And Campaigns

Better Places for People The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

For over 50 years, the Civic Trust has acted as a conduit to and from national Government, promoting the views of members, distilling Government initiatives and feeding back their effectiveness on the ground.

18

Our work in developing policy and delivering campaigns supports and influences our activities across all our main themes. We said we would: • Create and circulate briefings on current affairs that will affect the Civic Society movement. • Create and promote position statements on issues that affect the wider Civic Trust agenda • Respond to Government consultations on issues affecting the Civic Society movement. • Disseminate best practice from the NightVision report

We have: • Produced policy briefings and updates in both the electronic and quarterly issues of Grass Roots. • Responded to ten consultations, on subjects ranging from the Planning White Paper, Housing Green Paper and Tree Preservation Order procedures. • Played an active part in a national coalition of charities and organisations which includes Friends of the Earth, the RSPB, the CPRE and the Ramblers Association which continues to campaign for changes to the Planning Bill. • Developed a draft standard for the management of towns and city centres; Purple Flag Accreditation will be launched in 2009. • Joined other charities in campaigning for the cutting of VAT from 17.5% to 5% for all home improvement and maintenance work, which will encourage renovation of existing properties.

Palladium Theatre The Civic Trust’s “NightVision” report recommended that the evening economy should have attractions for all.

Fashion Show in Leeds The Civic Trust encourages town and city centres to provide entertainment for all to attract visitors in the early evening.

Photo: Hannah Mummery

Photo: Hannah Mummery

Whitby Youth Hostel Visitors enjoyed the opportunity to explore the stunning Whitby Youth Hostel during Heritage Open Days. Photo: YHA Whitby

Update – Planning White Paper The Civic Trust is a member of the Planning Coalition, which is a group of like minded organisations who originally came together to campaign against elements of the Planning White Paper. Partners included the RSPB, Friends of the Earth, the Ramblers Association and CPRE – which through their collective membership, represented 4 million people. The Civic Trust and the coalition highlighted the likelihood that the Planning White Paper would leave communities with no meaningful say in how their local areas would be developed. Our response and views were submitted, and since then, the Civic Trust has urged Civic Societies to make their views known to their local MPs and Government Ministers, and over 60 Societies have done so; one of the largest responses to our campaigns.

Our research work on NightVision led to the development of the Purple Flag Accreditation; a national standard which is being developed to recognise and reward those town and city centres which have a thriving and inclusive evening economy. We responded to the Government consultation on the draft Heritage Bill, and expressed our (and our members’) concerns about funding, training and local authority capacity to deliver historic environment services. Along with other heritage leaders, our concerns were published in a letter to the Daily Telegraph in April 2008.

We recently submitted our longest ever response to a Government consultation.

Trafford Ecology Park Green Flag Award winner 2008 - the site contains woodlands, wildflower meadows, ponds and a lake, all of which are used by local schools.

Ince Blundell Hall Visitors to Ince Blundell Hall enjoyed guided tours and the chance to discover their local history.

Photo: Trafford Council

Photo: zestimages.com

Civic Society training Members of Liverpool Civic Societies gather for Every Action Counts - environmental training. Photo: The Civic Trust

19

Better Places for People The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

Financial results Working in partnership for the next generation Where we spent our funds 2007/2008

n Green and Built Environment n Communities

55% 45%

Where our funding came from 2007/2008

n Grants from Central Government and Agencies n Non Governmental Grants n Fee income from Central Government and Agencies n Non Governmental Fees n Sponsorship n Entry Fees n Membership n All Other

20

22% 1% 34% 13% 9% 12% 6% 3%

SUMMARISED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED 31ST MARCH 2008 2008

2007

2006

£

£

£

Incoming Resources from: Voluntary income Investments Charitable activities

83,762 16,699 2,054,670

86,148 15,317 1,900,857

119,128 12,246 2,184,090

Total Incoming resources

2,155,131

2,002,322

2,315,464

Resources Expended on: Generating voluntary income Charitable activities Governance

5,339 2,060,952 21,528

4,540 1,907,965 28,949

13,863 2,230,542 20,398

Total Resources Expended

2,087,819

1,941,454

2,264,803

Net incoming resources

67,312

60,868

50,661

Funds brought forward at 1 April

140,361

79,493

28,832

Surplus carried forward at 31 March

207,673

140,361

79,493

2008

2007

2006

£

£

£

-

-

-

544,858 277,230

371,902 483,078

427,632 652,312

822,088

854,980

1,079,944

(614,415)

(714,619)

(1,000,451)

Net current assets

207,673

140,361

79,493

Net assets

207,673

140,361

79,493

Funds

207,673

140,361

79,493

Fixed assets Current assets: Debtors & prepayments Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts falling due

AUDITORS’ STATEMENT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE CIVIC TRUST We have examined the summarised financial statements set out above. Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Auditors – You as Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the summarised financial statements. We have agreed to report to you our opinion of the summarised statements’ consistency with the full financial statements on which we reported to you on 27th January 2009. Basis of Opinion – We have carried out the procedures we consider necessary to ascertain whether the summarised financial statements are consistent with the full financial statements from which they have been prepared. Opinion – In our opinion the summarised financial statements are consistent with the full financial statements for the year ended 31st March

The Civic Trust – Governance The Civic Trust is managed by a Board of Trustees. The Board’s role is to ensure that the Civic Trust establishes and maintains the trust of its members by being clear in its mission, prudent and ethical in its activities, and accountable for its actions. The Civic Trust strives to implement effective and principled governance. There are three executive committees which guide our work: • • •

The Policy Committee directs our campaigns. The Finance Committee oversees governance and the internal organisation of the Trust. The National Committee for Civic Societies includes representatives from the Regional Associations of Civic Societies and oversees matters concerning the civic movement.

Trustees serve a term of between four and eight years and meet at least four times a year. Writer and broadcaster, Griff Rhys Jones is President of the Civic Trust, and during the period covered by this review, our Board of Trustees has comprised:

2008. Moore Stephens LLP, Chartered Accountants, Registered Auditors, St Paul’s House, Warwick Lane, London EC4M 7BP. These accounts are a summary of information extracted from the Annual Accounts. These summarised accounts may not contain sufficient information to allow for a full understanding of the financial affairs of the charity. The full Annual Accounts, the Auditors’ Report on these accounts and the Trustees’ Annual Report were approved on 27th January 2009 and will be submitted to the Charity Commission and to Companies House. The Auditors’ Report was unqualified. A full copy of the Annual Accounts can be obtained from Companies House or from the Civic Trust website at www.civictrust.org.uk. They can also be obtained by calling in at the Civic Trust’s offices in London or Liverpool, or by telephoning 020 7539 7900 and asking for a copy to be sent to you.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Philip Kolvin David Banister Paul Biddle (resigned as Trustee & Chairman of the Finance Committee 6 May 2008) Nigel Burton Peter Cooper Peter Diplock Catherine Graham-Harrison (appointed Trustee & Chairman of the Finance Committee 16 May 2008) Karen Mason Jonathan Miller (resigned 6 May 2008) David Prichard (resigned 10 September 2008) Malcolm Sharp Hilary Silvester (appointed 15 April 2008) Kevin Trickett Helen Walker

Our Vice Patrons are: • The President of the Royal Institute of British Architects • The Chief Executive of the British Property Foundation • The Lord Mayor of Cardiff • The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh

21

Better Places for People The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT It is important to us that we continue to work with Civic Societies and our other members and represent their views and concerns in our work. Our latest strategy will take us from the present day to 2012, and help us, and our members to develop and remain a proactive, coherent, representative and nationwide movement. We shall:

• • • • • • • • •

Increase and broaden our membership to ensure effective representation of the whole community. Inspire and strengthen the grassroots membership through improved support and co-ordination, training and information sharing. Continue to increase the diversity and appeal of our volunteering opportunities. Reward, recognise and promote those people and places that reach the highest standards and make a positive contribution to their communities. Provide frameworks of communities to take ownership of regeneration and change agendas for their environment. Facilitate the provision of community coaching and education that teaches and empowers communities to imagine, shape and deliver inspiring and sustainable places. Promote the importance of civic pride, responsibility and community engagement with decision makers. Strengthen consultation arrangements to ensure the Trust can provide rapid, representative and evidence based input to policy decisions. Improve partnership and networking to add the Trust’s distinctive and unique value, complementing and supporting the efforts of others in shaping and influencing the policy agenda.

PRINCIPAL SPONSORS AND DONORS During the year, the Civic Trust has received support, both financially and in kind, from many individuals and organisations. We are immensely grateful for their help. Aggregate Industries Limited Architectural Heritage Fund Arts Council of Northern Ireland bassac BCSC Educational Trust Birmingham City Council Boodle Hatfield British Institute of Innkeeping The British Land Company PLC The Building Centre Burleigh Pottery

22

CABE – the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment Caliba Signs Charcon Chester City Council Community Development Foundation Countryside Council for Wales - Cyngor Cefn Gwlad Cymru Communities and Local Government (CLG) Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Design Commission for Wales Donald Insall Associates Ltd English Heritage English Partnerships Environment Agency Wales Field Studies Council Glendale Services Grosvenor Groundwork UK The Guild Heritage Lottery Fund Huntingdonshire District Council ICI Paints Land Securities Group Leeds City Council The Leopard Liberty International PLC Liverpool City Council Malvern Hills District Council Mansfield District Council Natural England New Economics Foundation Newcastle Association of City Guides Newcastle City Council Panter Hudspith Architects Phoenix Development Fund, Small Business Service Pitcher & Piano Prudential Property Investment Managers Ltd Sandra Charitable Trust Stoke on Trent City Council Sutcliffe Play University College London Visit Chester and Cheshire Waitrose Ltd Welsh Assembly Government Wilkinson Eyre Associates Many of the above organisations sponsor specific programmes, events or publications and their support is invaluable. If you, or your organisation would like to help the Civic Trust through sponsorship or donations, please contact us at either of our addresses.

VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are key to the success of the Civic Trust and our work. We are very grateful for all the work that volunteers have undertaken over the last year to help us achieve our aims and objectives. Civic Societies – over 750 local groups, with 250,000 members, many of whom give their time freely to improve their communities and the places that matter to them. Civic Trust Awards assessors – over 250 architects and built environment professionals who volunteer to visit the buildings and sites which apply for a Civic Trust Award. Civic Trust Awards local assessors – over 100 representatives from the community who work with the rest of the judging team to visit applicants for a Civic Trust Award, and who in particular put forward the views of the local community. Civic Trust Awards National Panel – a group of senior architects and built environment professionals who meet twice a year to debate the nominations for Civic Trust Awards, and agree on those which merit Awards, Commendations and Mentions. Heritage Open Days volunteers – almost 35,000 people volunteer to open buildings, and help with the running of Heritage Open Days. Activities range from giving guided tours to providing refreshments, and from organising children’s events to generating local press coverage. BizFizz panels – groups of experienced local people who are willing to use their time, skills and networks to benefit fledgling businesses in deprived communities.

If you would like to find out more about working with the Civic Trust, and being part of a national network of people who not only care about where they live, work and relax – but who are actively involved in making places better, please contact: The Civic Trust 2nd Floor, Essex Hall 1-6 Essex Street London WC2R 3HU Tel: 020 7539 7900 Email: [email protected] Northern Office The Civic Trust 5th Floor, Century Buildings 31 North John Street Liverpool L2 6RG Tel: 0151 231 6900 Email: [email protected] www.civictrust.org.uk www.civicsocieties.org.uk www.civictrustawards.org.uk www.be-net.org.uk www.heritageopendays.org.uk www.made-in-britain.org.uk www.greenflagaward.org.uk www.bizfizz.org.uk www.countryparks.org.uk www.highstreetuk.org.uk www.mycard.org.uk

Green Flag Award scheme judges - over 600 green environment professionals who volunteer to judge those parks and green spaces which apply for the Green Flag Award - the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. Civic Trust volunteers – almost 100 people who have given their time to work in the Trust’s Liverpool and London offices, working across the range of programmes.

23

MEMBERSHIP We are very grateful to all our members for their support:

Better Places for People The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

Individual members

24

Civic Societies Over 750 Civic Societies Corporate members Abel & Cole Adams Kara Taylor Aggregate Industries Charcon Alistair Grills Associates Architecton Argent Group Plc Arts Council of Northern Ireland Avery Associates, Architects Briffa Phillips Broadway Malyan Building Design Partnership Buro Happold CABE Carey Jones Architects Casey Construction Ltd Cullen Carter Hill Derek Lovejoy Partnership Eger Architects Ellis Brown Architects Essex Goodman Suggitt Frogmore Estates Grosvenor Heron Property Corporation HOK International Hopkins Architects Ltd Hulme Upright Manning ICI Paints John McAslan + Partners John Thompson + Partners Julian Harrap Architects Keepmoat Plc Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates Liberty International Plc MacCormac Jamieson Prichard Metropolitan Workshop Paul Brookes Architects Ltd Peter Jackson Architects Price and Myers

Prudential Property Investment Managers Ltd Purcell Miller Tritton PWP Architects Quality Hotel Stoke on Trent Ramboll Whitbybird Richard Coleman Consultancy Rick Mather Architects Robert Myers Associates Landscape Architecture Sheppard Robson Space Syntax Susan Walker Architects Terence O’Rourke Ltd The Westwood Partnership Trentham Leisure Whitelaw Turkington Landscape Architects Local Authority Members Belfast City Council Birmingham City Council Cambridgeshire County Council Canterbury City Council Chester-le-Street District Council Greenwich Council Harlow District Council Herefordshire Council Hertsmere Borough Council Horsham District Council Huntingdonshire District Council Kirklees Metropolitan Council Lichfield District Council London Borough of Hackney London Borough of Haringey London Borough of Islington London Borough of Lambeth London Borough of Southwark London Borough of Tower Hamlets London Borough of Wandsworth Milton Keynes Council Newark & Sherwood District Council Norwich City Council Reading Borough Council Shropshire County Council Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council Warwickshire County Council West Sussex County Council Westminster City Council

// We believe that it is important for high profile, reputable companies in our communities to work closely with the Civic Trust and support this independent charity in its wok in creating inspiring and prosperous communities. // Aggregate Industries Sponsor of the Civic Trust’s Sustainability Award

Cornmill Gardens Cornmill Gardens, a Civic Trust Award winner, is an attractive new public park and space which was created as part of an urban renaissance programme. The gardens have changed the character of the area, providing a high quality, popular public amenity. Photo: David Barbour

Better Places for the Next Generation

25

The Civic Trust 2nd Floor, Essex Hall 1-6 Essex Street London WC2R 3HU Tel: 020 7539 7900 Fax: 020 7539 7901 Email: [email protected] Web: www.civictrust.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1068759 Patron: HRH Prince of Wales President: Griff Rhys Jones