Award Success for ONE and The Bird Box, Bromsgrove
The Bird Box in Bromsgrove won Regeneration Project of the Year at the prestigious 2021 Insider West Midlands Property awards last week (4 November 2021).
Designed by ONE Creative environments (ONE), on behalf of North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWedR) and Bromsgrove District Council, the Bird Box was launched in August 2020 and has transformed the unused site on St John’s Street in Bromsgrove centre into a temporary public realm and mixed-use community destination which is bringing a hive of activity into this central location.
Named after a feature carved into many of the existing Bromsgrove shopfronts, the Bird Box was designed to provide a flexible space for ‘pop-up’ and mobile businesses giving opportunities and support to start-ups and local entrepreneurs. It includes a range of community facilities: a stage, creative seating and open areas which during COVID-19 is providing outdoor social distancing space for small retail outlets which has been well received by local people.
Bromsgrove District Portfolio Holders at The Bird Box (Back row L-R: Cllr Adam Kent, Cllr Phil Thomas, Cllr Michael Thompson, Cllr Karen May. Front row L-R: Cllr Geoff Denaro, Cllr Margaret Sherrey, Cllr Shirley Webb.)
A project that has strong environmental credentials, almost everything that was on site has been re-used or recycled. The use of feature trees in planters scatter light through the space offering flexibility, shade and extends the use of the site during the evening with provision for public arts projects and bold graphics which create a fun and vibrant atmosphere. Bromsgrove District Council has maximised this opportunity with an exciting programme of open air and socially distanced events - full details are available on the Bird Box Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BirdBoxBromsgrove
ONE, which has a Worcester HQ and offices in Birmingham and London, worked closely with all parties to deliver the design alongside other local companies: the contractors Kelbec Civils, and Whiting Landscape.
Bromsgrove District Council Leader Karen May said: “This is fantastic news for Bromsgrove and so well-deserved to all those involved in creating this amazing space which has already been enjoyed by so many.”
“To receive accolades and praise from external audiences validates the success of the BirdBox project and demonstrates what partnership working can achieve.”
“Coupled with last month’s news that the town has been awarded £14.5m for regeneration I am proud to say that this Council is well-placed to deliver on its promises, and beyond, to create an even Better Bromsgrove for our residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
Mark Martin, Director at ONE, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Bird Box has won this prestigious award and is being recognised by others. It has been wonderful to see local businesses and all of the community benefitting from this project’s vibrant outdoor space.”
Children enjoying The Bird Box
The black-tie event last week at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole announced the winners where ONE was also shortlisted for two other awards. The design for the Bird Box itself has had further award success recently: receiving Highly Commended in the Constructing Excellence Midlands 2021 awards for Conservation and Regeneration, being shortlisted in the Activation category at the Festival of Place Pineapple 2021 awards and later this month ONE’s Urban Design Team is a finalist in the National Landscape Institute 2021 awards, the accredited body for Landscape Architects, in the Excellence in Place Regeneration category.
Further details about ONE are available at www.oneltd.com
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