ONE shortlisted for the CE Awards
Posted: 26 May 2021
The Bird Box in Bromsgrove, which was designed by ONE Creative environments (ONE) on behalf of North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWedR) and Bromsgrove District Council, has been shortlisted for an award.
The Bird Box, which was launched in August 2020, is a finalist in the Constructing Excellence (CE) West Midlands awards in the Conservation and Rejuvenation category. ONE’s design 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 and has been well received by local people.
The use of feature trees in planters with lighting scattered through the space offers flexibility, shade and extends the use of the site during the evening. There is provision for public arts projects, bold graphics and a range of materials which create a fun and vibrant atmosphere. Bromsgrove District Council have also put together a programme of socially distanced events with full details now available on the Bird Box Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BirdBoxBromsgrove
A project that has strong environmental credentials, almost everything that was on site has been re-used or recycled: existing concrete building foundations formed the sub-base and block paving, granite aggregate and timber from a felled tree were used to face gabion baskets. ONE worked closely with all parties to deliver the design alongside other local companies: the contractors Kelbec Civils, and Whiting Landscape.
Bromsgrove District Council Leader, Cllr Karen May, said: “This is great news and the Bird Box, despite having limited events there due to Covid, has proved popular with our residents and visitors who are using the space to eat lunch or meet with friends, safely of course.”
“I really can’t wait to see the space used to its full potential.”
Mark Martin, Director at ONE, said: “We are delighted that the Bird Box has been shortlisted in these prestigious awards. It has been fantastic to see local businesses and the community benefitting from this project’s vibrant outdoor space and we look forward to seeing this continue in the months ahead.”
In 2020, ONE was awarded 4 regional CE awards and the team went forward to the national final for the Innovation, Sustainability and Digital Construction categories as well as being recognised alongside partners for the West Midlands Special Recognition Award.
The 2021 award ceremony, which will announce the winning entries, is taking place in September 2021.