Civic Trust gongs for Heatherwick and Marks Barfield

Thomas Heatherwick’s East Beach Café and Marks Barfield’s The Lightbox gallery in Surrey are among 30 public buildings that have been honoured in this year’s Civic Trust Awards.

Thirty projects have been recognised for design that improves cultural, social or economic benefit.

They have also been singled out for making an ‘outstanding contribution’ to the quality and appearance of the surrounding environment.

This year’s awards attracted more than 400 entries.

A host of design consultancies, including Real Studios, branding group Aqueduct and architect Marks Barfield worked with the Lightbox team in Surrey to put the £7m gallery on a par with its South East counterparts, while Heatherwick’s East Beach Café has been touted as an unexpected form that has reinvigorated a little-known area.

Other public spaces honoured include the Camden Roundhouse for its disabled accessibility, while the Royal Festival Hall has won praise for its contribution to the ‘capitals’ night-time economy’.