Civic Design Awards
Cirencester has some fantastic buildings – some historic, others more modern. Do you have a favourite place?
Tell us why.
Is it because:
- it is new and distinctive
- the workmanship is outstanding
- it replaces an eyesore
- it has become a local landmark
- it fits in with the character of the surrounding buildings
- it adds to the vitality and energy of the town
- it incorporates renewable energy features
Talk to us if you would like to nominate a special place to receive a Civic Design Award
Email caroleboydell@gmail.com
When assessing a nomination for a Cirencester Civic Design Award, the Panel will consider aspects of the following criteria, as appropriate.
Does the building:
- visually enhance both the immediate street scene, the wider conservation area and local distinctiveness?
- employ high quality materials, detail design and workmanship?
- replace an eyesore caused by neglect, discordant alterations, use of inferior materials, economic redundancy, or basic bad design?
- maintain a familiar landmark, possibly brought into new economic use, which contributes to the identity and character of the town?
- create a new landmark or does it blend in with its surroundings? In either case, does it respect the vernacular / built heritage of the town?
- contribute to the restoration and protection of an existing building?
- show some degree of originality and ‘design flair’ which lifts its quality and makes it an exemplar of high-quality design?
- incorporate attractive landscape features?
- reflect contemporary cultural values and incorporate current technical building standards in an appropriate manner, particularly in regard to sustainability?
- contribute to the commercial vitality of the town, or part of the town?
In 2025 the Civic Society took the unanimous decision to present this award to the team responsible for restoring Dollar St House with a reception on Friday 6th June to celebrate the presentation to Charles Mullineux Design and Bedrock Property Development Ltd in recognition of their sensitive development, creating three spectacular dwellings which significantly enhance the local streetscape.
Formerly known as Dollar Street House, 30-32 Dollar Street dates back to 1725 and early C19. It was built by the lawyer Joseph Pitt, who developed Pittville Spa in Cheltenham. The property was Grade II* statutory listed on 14th June 1948 and is located within the Cirencester Town Centre Conservation Area. Part of the gardens to the rear lie within Scheduled Ancient Monument 361 (Corinium Roman Town).
For many years the property had been sadly left to go to rack and ruin, and was placed on Historic England’s register for properties at risk, garnering a lot of interest and campaigning from local authorities and residents determined to save it from dereliction. After a few false starts, developer and investor, Oliver Murray of Bedrock Property eventually bought the building in 2023. He appointed Charles Mullineux Design as his architect, to take the project forwards and restore the deteriorating empty office building back to its former residential status.
Oliver Murray said: “We are delighted to have been presented with this award. To have been the custodian of this historic property, saving it from dereliction and returning it to is former magnificence, has been a real honour. I have been so very grateful for Charles Mullineux’s exceptional vision, attention to detail, and sensitive approach to respecting the property’s history and integrity. The whole team behind this renovation, especially Zota Construction, have all been outstanding.”
Previous winners have included:
Loveday Mews 2020
A sympathetic replacement of a former antiques shop off Gosditch Street within the conservation area
The Market Place 2018
The Market Place in Cirencester was congested by circulating vehicle traffic and car parking, with paving and road surfaces of low quality and in poor condition. There was a complete redevelopment to form a high quality public realm for both visitors and the local townspeople which took 20 years to complete from conception.
“Once a congestion ridden centre, with traffic slowly killing off the local market, Cirencester now has a modern market place at the heart of its Conservation Area. … The town centre has been much enhanced, the new public realm is well used, and the historic core of the town is now a vibrant and exciting space.”
