28 Oct 2023
What are your favourite developments and buildings from across Harpenden which have been completed in 2023?
The Harpenden Society has been helping to maintain the town’s visual image for more than 40 years.
This has been achieved by recognising building design and site developments of a high architectural standard and more recently ones that bring added services and benefits to the town’s residents.
The first ever Harpenden Society Award can still be seen on the wall of what is now Brown’s Hair Salon. In the late ‘70s it was almost acquired by a developer who planned to demolish the building and redevelop the site.
It was eventually saved thanks to local opposition and the efforts of The Harpenden Society and its members.
Dozens more awards have been made in the last 40 years to the likes of the Eric Morecambe Centre, Katherine Warington School, the Oddfellows Arms, and a thatched cottage in Hatching Green.
There are three sets of awards in order of importance: two prestigious Harpenden Society plaques, certificates of merit and letters of commendation.
The Society will be assessing buildings and developments that serve the interests of the town, not just architecturally designed structures. This includes buildings within the Conservation Area that have been developed to maintain certain standards.
All entries need to have been completed this year up to December 31, and nominations must be submitted by the end of January 2024.
A couple of contenders are already on the list: the new affordable homes at Roan Place and the new all-weather pitch and ground development in Rothamsted Park.
Nominations will be reviewed by March 15, and winners will be advised by April 3 ahead of a public announcement at the Society’s AGM.
Entry forms are available on the Harpenden Society website
www.harpendensociety.org or email your nominations to: publicity@harpendensociety.org
