Charles Brown, Andrew Hayward, James Walch and Adrian Mathias from Brownhill Hayward Brown
Charles Brown, Andrew Hayward, James Walch and Adrian Mathias from Brownhill Hayward Brown

A Lichfield-based firm of architects has been highly commended for its work on a 12th century Scheduled Ancient Monument in North Staffordshire.

Brownhill Hayward Brown in Bird Street received the plaudit in the Southern Staffordshire Partnership Design Awards 2009 for the St Thomas Priory Scheme in Baswich, North Staffordshire.

The scheme saw the re-development of dilapidated Grade II listed barns, which together with the new bespoke residential properties, provided 26 homes on the site of the former Augustinian Priory.

The business which has 35 years’ experience in specialist restoration as well as new build projects, was also recognised for its contemporary design of New Minster House.

This mixed use development includes 12 luxury apartments on the upper levels and a restaurant and adjoining retail units on the ground floor, all set in the historic city centre, overlooking Minster Pool and Lichfield Cathedral.

Andrew Hayward, Senior Partner with Brownhill Hayward Brown, said:

“We are delighted to have been recognised for these schemes, which exemplify the versatility of our work. It is well recognised that the quality of people’s work, leisure home environment and general morale and well-being can be greatly enhanced by the quality of design of the building they are in.

“We are committed to continually raising standards of design in the built environment and playing our part in helping to raise the profile and the local distinctiveness of our region.”

As architects accredited in Building Conservation, Brownhill Hayward Brown was also instrumental in gaining Scheduled Ancient Monuments’ consent for the St Thomas Priory scheme, as well as the design of the overall master plan of the site that was developed by Lichfield-based developer Fresh Space.

Rob Rafferty, Fresh Space Group Managing Director said:

“As a Scheduled Ancient Monument site, which included the remains of Grade II listed stable blocks from the medieval Priory, it was particularly challenging.

“However, having worked with Brownhill Hayward Brown on several other important significant residential projects, we were confident that together we could deliver an outstanding result. We believe the award is recognition that we have.”

The bi-annual Southern Staffordshire Partnership Design Awards seek to promote achievement of excellence in design and construction of buildings and spaces in Southern Staffordshire, with imaginative use of public art and increasing incorporation of sustainability principles.

In 2005, Brownhill Hayward Brown was highly commended for its design of the extension to the Police Mutual Assurance Society HQ Offices in Lichfield.

In 2007 its design for The Stoneyard, a new build affordable housing scheme near Lichfield Cathedral and the restoration of the city’s Swan Hotel, was also highly commended.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.