2025 Ilkley Design & Conservation Awards results

Tuesday, 11 November 2025 07:50

Ilkley Civic Society has announced the results of its 2025 Design & Conservation Awards

Ilkley Civic Society has announced the results of its Design & Conservation Awards for 2025.

The society have moved to an Autumn presentation to allow judging to take place over the summer, so it is 18 months since their last live event.

On Thursday 23^rd October, the evening began with a review of the last 18months, to demonstrate the type of events and planning issues Ilkley Civic Society is involved with, including:-

the approval of major Yorkshire Water works on Denton Rd to create a wetland,
the failure of big organisations to obtain the necessary planning approval (Starbucks)
supporting residents’ concerns regarding poor quality shopfronts
monitoring with concern the deteriorating condition of some buildings and reporting the issues to BMDC (Hollycroft)

The event then moved onto this year’s presentations, which included several Commendations and 2 Awards to a variety of projects all of which succeeded in making a valuable contribution to improving the townscape of Ilkley or its surrounding landscape.

Projects, selected from a long list of 15 projects from the last 1.5 years included a variety of commercial buildings, some private residences and an urban realm project.

Certificates presented to the following projects: -

Conservation: Commendation (for work on historic buildings or structures)

Mortons shopfront: the former shopfront has been returned to a more Victorian feel, revealing the original corner cast iron columns with ornate capitals, adding glazing bars to the windows, and recreating the former column and stall riser finishes. Design and installation by the new occupiers Design Emporium, a local architecture and interior design company.
Langbar House: the former offices above Dacres have been converted to apartments. The considerable work to the exterior includes relaying the roof slates, repairs to chimneys, and complete re-rendering of the exterior to ensure the building envelope is fit for a long future. Developer Yorplace, architect Halliday Clark and contractor Dobsons of Ilkley.

Conservation: Award (for work on historic buildings or structures)

Whitton Lodge: this former detached villa previously divided into flats has been returned to a family home by the removal of a bulky 2-storey rear extension and its replacement with full height staircase window and a much smaller single storey living kitchen extension. All PVCu windows have been replaced with wooden sash windows and 2 new roof dormers added. Environmentally a ground source heat pump has been added with full internal insulation to walls. Private client, architects Niche Architecture.

Special mention

Railway Terrace: an extension to stone-built end terrace re-using stone from the original gable wall. Featuring the latest design of roof solar panels that are inset into the roof and much less obtrusive than earlier solar panels.

New Design: Commendations - for new projects

Kings Road- two new houses filling a gap in the streetscape with crisp contemporary design that includes traditional slate rooves and stone walls. Developer, Burley developments and Halliday Clark architects.
Wharfe View Road-Two new rear extensions designed by different architects working together to complement each other. Architects Niche and Roost.

New Design: Awards - for an Urban Realm project

Re-establishment of a working fountain for Ilkley inspired by sphagnum moss, which is so important to water and carbon retention on our moor. The fountain is gravity fed and requires no pumping. Sculpture design by Juliet and Jamie Gutch, local artists and fabricated by James Wilkinson for Improving Ilkley, constructed by Dakin.

Ilkley Town Council Mayor Cllr Jane Gibson presented certificates to local businesses, organisations & individuals, and commented:

“I was honoured to be invited to present these awards. It was an interesting evening, celebrating creativity in our wonderful town. I particularly enjoyed those projects which supported sustainability and sympathetic adaptations within our conservation areas. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of awards."

A spokesperson for Ilkley Civic Society said:

“To round off the evening we looked at some potential future entries for the Ilkley Civic Society Awards which will take place in 12 or 24 months depending on the number of entries.

“A future live presentation will enable local residents, their architects and builders to gather to celebrate new build and heritage projects that add to the history of the town as well those that improve the environment.

“Any suggestions please to planning@civicsociety.ilkley.org”

More from Local news

Ilkley u3a help ease transition to retirement

When the time for retirement finally arrives, many people wonder what comes next. But for those living around these parts, there’s a vibrant way to keep learning, staying active and meeting new friends, all thanks to Ilkley & District u3a.
Musical Director Rob Durkin brings White Christmas to life in Ilkley

Kick off your festive season in sparkling style with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the timeless musical extravaganza coming to Ilkley this December.
Countdown is on to Ilkley’s Christmas lights switch on

Ilkley Town Council is looking forward to hosting this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event, which is being held on The Grove on Saturday 22nd November.
Airedale Symphony Orchestra is Celebrating Shostakovic

On the 50th Anniversary of his death, Shostakovich’s music still blazes with defiance and beauty, and Airedale Symphony Orchestra will take to the King’s Hall stage on Sunday afternoon to perform three pieces.
Airedale issues A&E warning ahead of doctors' strike

Airedale Hospital has said its Emergency Department will be affected by industrial action due to take place from Friday this week.
Ilkley paid tribute on Remembrance Sunday

Ilkley held a solemn Remembrance Sunday parade and service yesterday at the Ilkley Memorial Garden, in honour of all those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of the nation in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts.
Beau Monde celebrates 30 years in Ilkley

On 5th November 2025, Beau Monde Perfumery & Beauty Salon in Ilkley proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of beauty, customer support, and exceptional service.
Ilkley Town Council invites you to its fortnightly drop-in sessions

Ilkley Town Councillors would like to invite residents to come along to their ongoing fortnightly drop-in sessions, held at the Clarke Foley Community Hub.
Ilkley Moornotes present Let The Season Sing

Ilkley Moornotes have announced their winter concert date, Saturday 6th December, taking place in the ancient parish church of All Saints, Ilkley at 7.30pm.
Community and veterans honour Canadian aircrew at 80th anniversary service

A poignant day of remembrance unfolded across Wharfedale on 5 November as local veterans, families, and community representatives marked the 80th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force Lancaster crash on Beamsley Beacon.
Bettys Ilkley plan Christmas window reveal

Bettys on The Grove in Ilkley will be unveiling its Christmas window on Friday and there are free drinks and mince pies.
Enchanting Nutcracker and the Music Box coming to King's Hall stage

The enchanting story of The Nutcracker and the Music Box will be brought to The Kings Hall this November by Wright Theatre Arts (WTA). You are cordially invited to a dazzling 1920’s Christmas party, where the story starts.
Starbucks sign refused by Bradford planners

Bradford Council has refused advertisement express consent for the internally illuminated 'Starbucks' totem sign on Wheatley Lane in Ben Rhydding.
Little Shop of Horrors set to wow audiences

With a week to go until opening night, Ilkley Musical Theatre Society is bursting with excitement as their latest production, Little Shop of Horrors, prepares to take over the King’s Hall in Ilkley.
MP launches 2025 Small Business Awards

Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has launched his 2025 Small Business Awards, inviting the public to vote for their favourite small business across Keighley, Ilkley, Craven and the Worth Valley.
ELO to Abba, choir and Brass Band come together for Ilkley concert

Steeton Male Voice Choir performed alongside Otley Brass Band at their latest concert at the King's Hall in Ilkley.
Airedale rebuild takes first step with multi-storey car park plans

Airedale Foundation Trust has taken its first step in the work needed for building a new Airedale General Hospital by submitting plans for a five storey multi storey car park.
Pub sees increase in business after introducing 'Tax-free Monday'

Owners of a pub in the village of Addingham have reported a noticeable increase in business after reintroducing a weekly “Tax-Free Monday” offering.
Ilkley Manor House Christmas Makers’ Fair returns in November

The much-loved Ilkley Manor House Christmas Makers’ Fair is back on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November, open from 10am to 5pm each day.
Ilkley's annual Remembrance parade and service this Sunday

Ilkley Town Council has been keeping an eye on the weather forecast and is pleased to see that it looks like it should remain dry for its annual Remembrance parade and service, which will be held this Sunday 9th November.