More than 600 people from property, construction and other businesses gathered for the tenth annual ProCon Leicestershire Awards, hosted by Tigers legend Peter Wheeler and a special guest, broadcaster Simon Fanshawe
Sustainable Development of the Year, sponsored by De Montfort University, went to the £405,000 Allerton Project Visitor Centre, at Manor Farm, in Loddington, near Market Harborough.
The scheme, submitted by architect Parkinson Dodson & Cheung, saw a brick animal shed given a new lease of life by a team of volunteers from companies involved in Leicestershire & Rutland ProHelp.
The conversion used materials sourced from the fields of the Allerton Estate, including straw and sheep fleece for insulation
Architect Sylvester Cheung said: "The work was certainly a challenge. An educational vision which leads to an architectural project, through professional and community involvement to sourcing of materials – all show investment in our countryside should not be neglected and sustainable rural developments are achievable."
The Allerton Project staff with the team who assisted with the Visitors Centre
Alastair Leake on stage receiving the award from Simon Fanshawe
The 'Allerton Table', amongst 600 guests at the award ceremony
