Ortus, headline sponsor of the PDF, have scooped the ‘Highly Commended’ Award at the recent Michelmores Property Awards for their Supported Living accommodation project at Merrivale Road in Plymouth.
The 2024 Awards mark 21 years of celebrating the best property, development and construction projects in the South West. The Awards have long-championed sustainability and innovation in the sector and the competition recognises both commercial and residential projects of all shapes and sizes, with shortlisted and winning projects placed firmly in the industry’s spotlight.
Here, Director of Ortus and architect Tony Horsey commented after the event.
“It’s always humbling to have the work we do recognized but being celebrated for a project which has a valuable social outcome makes the hard work all the sweeter.
The team at Ortus led this project, to ‘convert’ a former social club, from concept through a successful planning application for the original client, with Pivotal Homes Group Limited managing it through the construction phase to completion.
The project, which created 11 new flats, is being used to provide care leavers a safe and managed environment in which to develop experience and skills in independent living. We’d like to thank Lisa Brown of Pebble Properties Ltd for having the original vision and Pivotal Homes for taking it through to completion.”
Link to project.
Commenting on the results, Michelmores said:
‘Although not a winner, this year the judging panel also wanted to give credit to the Merrivale Road project in Plymouth awarding the much-needed development Highly Commended in the Residential Project of the Year (35 homes and under) category.
Plymouth City Council transformed this disused building into self-contained flats for young people leaving care who are ready to live more independently. The accommodation has a 24-hour staff presence to offer guidance to the young people so that they are supported but managing their own homes.
The future-proofing and considerate detail of the regeneration were said to be remarkable. The judges felt that the project would drive change in the area as well as serving an invaluable purpose with strong social benefits.’
Ortus – Architecture & Planning, continues to support SME property developers, across the south west, delivering housing and high density developments, for the private and social sectors. With several exciting new projects, and potential award winners, in development the company is optimistic about the future of the Southwest and is well positioned to support new clients, from offices in Plymouth and Torquay, in delivering their development ambitions.
