INNOVATIVE and creative designs that have enhanced their landscape went under the spotlight as part of an inaugural celebration of top notch architecture.

Suffolk Coastal District Council’s very first Quality of Place awards were held in the Council Chamber at Melton Hill, Woodbridge, last night.

They were a celebration of some of the very best designs in the region and how they have helped to conserve historic buildings and benefit the local environment.

Aldeburgh Music’s Creative Campus at Snape Maltings, known as the Hoffman Building, won the large scheme award in the Building Conservation category.

Judges were impressed with how much of the original fabric of the old building was retained, while preserving its character and equipping it for a totally new purpose.

The small scheme in the Building Conservation category went to Tiger Villa at 267 High Street, Aldeburgh and its architects and owners Simon James and Alex Terry.

The judges were impressed by how much of the original building was kept, the enthusiasm with which it was saved and the way it contributed to the High Street.

A Special Commendation was also handed to Framlingham Town Council and contractor Adam Mills for their project to re-develop the cemetery gates.

Meanwhile architects Haworth Tompkins picked up the Winner for Design award for giving a new lease of life to the ruined Dovecote building at Snape Maltings.

The Nature/Landscape award went to the New Orford Town Trust which has succeeded in constructing an impressive new quay for the benefit of residents, visitors and river users.

Andy Smith, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for planning, said: “The judges had a tough but enjoyable task in deciding the four worthy winners and the one highly commended, with each of these projects being outstanding examples of the efforts that are being taken to add to the quality of our district.

“We intend to make this an annual celebration of excellence.

“We hope that this will not only draw further attention to the quality of work being carried out in our district but also act as a spur to others to recognise that their extra efforts can produce long-lasting dividends for all our communities.”