Pontefract Civic Society gathered business and property owners, trades people, and representatives from Wakefield Council, in Pontefract Town Hall on January 30 for the 2022 Design Awards.
The awards recognise the historic streetscape of Pontefract as well as celebrating ongoing regeneration projects and investments.
Civic Society Chair Paul Cartwright said: “This is an evening of celebration regeneration projects which enhances the historic streetscape of Pontefract as a place for investors and visitors, with a further year of a clear shift from retail to hospitality and activity-based experiences.”
The civic society presented the Countess of Rosse Façade of the Year award to The Mad Ox bar at Ropergate based on the façade’s distinctive colour scheme, graphics, signage, lighting, and pavement space.
Carl Jeffery, owner of The Mad Ox, said: “I’m chuffed to bits! Thank you, so much people of Pontefract and Pontefract Civic Society for awarding us the Façade of the Year.
"We are absolutely speechless. This is our family business and accolades like this makes all our hard work really mean something. We’ve had a great 10 months so far, and can’t wait for the next 10 years.”
Mr Cartwright added: “All the award winners were very appreciative of our recognition in making Pontefract a better place for everyone.
"The variety of projects, from housing, service, hospitality to racing accommodation, and Farmer Copley’s luxury AirBnB, shows that we rewarded the right projects, and Pontefract continues to be a successful market town. We’re already listing projects for 2023 assessment.”
For more information on Pontefract Civic Society visit the website at www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk or call 01977 708658.
9. The Pavilion Cafe wins the Improvement award
The Pavilion Cafe won the Improvement Award. Pictured: Norman Gundill, Paul Cartwright (PCS). The judges said: "The Pavilion Cafe has been transformed from a dilapidated storage shed used by the ground staff, into an incredible 1950’s-style American diner. "The project began, and was completed, then moth-balled pre-Covid. Cleaning and replacing the internal roof structure was a must, in order to create a much-needed café for park users, and on race days for the punters. Extensive parking and outdoor seating allows for vehicle users, dog walkers, and cyclists. "The interior, including a kitchen and toilets were done very well. If you’ve not visited, then you must! The Pavilion Café is a credit to Pontefract Racecourse Company Ltd, to those who had the vision, who dared to do something different, and a credit to the designers and contractors." Photo: Medlock Photography
10.
The Robin Hood won the Heritage Award. The judges said: "The Robin Hood has been a multi-year project. "Even in an open plan, the ground floor has a homely feel, in this gateway to the town centre. The Robin Hood dates from 1771 and Dean and Sally Smith had the vision for every available space, inside and out, from top to bottom, including the Henry Smith Brewery in the stables and outbuildings in the rear yard. "All of this, maintaining the historic character of the building, allowing upper floor performance spaces. Hidden beams were exposed, the loft space was opened up. "The weighty Yorkshire stone roof, was replaced with Welsh slate to lighten the load. In fact, for every phase of the project, Dean ensured that local craftsmen were employed and celebrated." Photo: The Robin Hood won the Heritage Award
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The winners of the Pontefract Civic Society's annual Design Awards with Mayor and Mayoress of Wakefield, Coun David and Annette Jones, and Councillor Michael Graham. Photo: Medlock Photography