Rochdale Borough Design & Conservation Awards

The winning extension at 2 Whitfield Farm, Littleborough

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C J Partnership took the inaugural Rochdale Borough Design Award for the transformation of a cramped, dark garage into attractive living space and gardens.

The new extension at 2 Whitfield Farm, Littleborough brings light and space to the grade 2 listed building.

Paul Clark of C J Partnership said: “It's an honour to receive this inaugural award, especially with it being our home town.

“The competition was stiff, coming up against some of the prestigious city centre practices.

“It is a nice acknowledgement for our commitment to high design standards and quality of services.

“The idea for the building was to make the most of the fantastic views across the valley, and to compliment the existing grade 2 listed building.

“It is a contemporary design, however, the oak frame echoes that of the original timber-framed building on the site, whose timbers where subsequently recycled to support the roof structure of the current farmhouse building.

“The project was also a finalist at the LABC North West awards and shortlisted for ' the best interior space' by Design Magazine.

“Special thanks to our clients Roger and Gill Styles for their commitment and hard work in seeing the project through, and also the planning department who backed the scheme.”

Announcing the award, Peter Rowlinson, Head of Planning and Regulation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “I was delighted at the quality of the submissions in this the first year of the design and conservation awards.

The extension at Whitfield Farm is a quality modern design. Beyond the extension C J Partnership has created a small but well formed garden that really enhances the space and environment, and research shows this has a big impact on the quality of life.”

The owner Roger Styles paid tribute to the architects, C J Partnership, for their “vision” and added: “All I had to do was pay, but it was worth it.”

The judges gave a ‘Special Commendation’ award to Loop Systems for Derby Street Children’s Centre, Heywood, “a child friendly design with an imaginative use of space, indoors and outdoors.

Winner of the People’s design award was Stephenson Bell for Hill House, Littleborough, a contemporary design which respects the context and neighbouring properties.

Having presented the awards, Mayor Keith Swift said: “Good design gives everyone a lift, those who live and work in them and passers by. Good buildings are very important in how we feel about the town we live in and congratulations to the architects and the planning department for these excellent schemes.”