Maldon District Conservation and Design Awards 2025 winners

The 2025 winners include the renovation of a 17th-century Grade II listed house and the conversion of a neglected piece of land.

An oak-framed pergola outside a historic village pub also was highly commended.

Left to right: Chairman of the judging panel John Driver, owner and builder David Graves and chairman of Maldon District Council Kevin Lagan(Image: Maldon District Council)

The building conservation award went to 7 and 9 South Street, Tillingham for the renovation of the 17th-century house by David and Nicola Graves.

David undertook almost all the work himself in his spare time over six years.

The judges were impressed by the preservation of historical finishes and features, calling it a "sympathetic and lovely restoration".

Our Wild Local Space was the nature conservation winner(Image: Maldon District Council)

The nature conservation award went to the Maldon and Heybridge Climate Action Partnership for their transformation of an overgrown piece of land on the Washington Close footpath into a "Our Wild Local Space", a managed wilderness for community use.

The transformation started in early 2024, with volunteers clearing the site and creating paths and a communal meeting area.

The judges deemed this an "exemplar of what can be done for a neglected piece of land in an urban location".

The pergola at Purleigh Bell was highly commended(Image: Maldon District Council)

The pergola at Purleigh Bell received high commendation for design.

The oak-framed structure with sides made from canvas sailcloth replaced a temporary shelter installed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The awards were presented at Friends Meeting House, Maldon, on October Wednesday 2.

John Driver, Maldon district councillor and chairman of the judging panel, said: "I would like to congratulate the winners.

"The sympathetic and painstaking renovation of a 17th-century property and the use of a neglected piece of land for the good of the whole community were a delight to see.

"Congratulations also to the highly commended and those shortlisted.

"These awards allow us to celebrate some outstanding local projects and the achievements of our local crafts people.

"Well done to them all."

Richard Siddall, leader of Maldon District Council, said: "Seeing the effort that goes into protecting the built and natural environment in our district is always a highlight of the year.

"I would like to thank all who are helping to preserve and enhance the uniqueness of our historic district."