Civic Trust
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Civic Trust of England and Wales was a charitable organisation founded in 1957. It ceased in 2009. [1] Its prime purpose was to improve the quality of new and historic buildings and public spaces, and to help improve the general quality of urban life. The trust operated from two main offices, in London and Liverpool.
The Trust supported a national network of civic societies, which are local groups in which volunteer members participate in efforts to improve their surroundings. It ran the Civic Trust Regeneration Unit, which supports urban and neighbourhood renewal through programmes which addressed issues of concern, eg the management of the night time economy. It ran campaigns in order to influence or change thinking on civic matters, and sometimes to change government policy. The Trust claimed some responsibility for the passing of the acts under which conservation areas exist in Britain today. It also coordinates Heritage Open Days as the English element of European Heritage Days.
In spring of 2009, it was announced that the Civic Trust was to 'go into administration' because of a funding crisis. [1], [2].
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[edit] Awards
The Civic Trust provided incentives for best practice through the Civic Trust Awards. This is scheme which began in 1957, with awards being given annually to buildings and schemes which were architecturally outstanding and considered to make a positive difference to their local community. Each entry was judged by a voluntary panel which includes a member of the local community. [2] Results were collated centrally and a national panel of built environment professionals made the final decision on which schemes merit an Award. There were three levels of award (in order of highest to lowest): Award, Commendation and Merit.
Award winning schemes (which received a plaque) include:
- Hallgate, Blackheath Park, London, 1961.
- Nottingham Playhouse 1966.
- Severn Bridge 1968.
- Centenary Building, University of Salford, 1997.
It is also possible to apply to be considered for a Sponsored Award. [3]
The Trust also helped local civic societies create design awards [4].
The Trust also provided awards for well managed public parks in the Green Flag awards.
[edit] See also
- The Scottish Civic Trust
- Cockburn Association (Edinburgh Civic Trust)
- The Birmingham Civic Society
- Bourne Civic Society
- Swindon Civic Trust
- Leeds Civic Trust
- York Civic Trust
