The Town's sustainability and 'sense of place' can be attributed to the buildings which are designed by architects, realised by builders and cared for by property owners and organisations.
The Town's Building Design and Conservation Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the efforts of all those involved in the construction and conservation of Vincent's buildings.
Started in 2001, the biennale Building Design & Conservation Awards recognise and award the building and conservation achievements of our community.
A number of Award categories are offered.
This is specifically designed for owners of places included on the Town's Municipal Heritage Inventory who have undertaken restoration or adaptation of their place in accordance with good conservation practice, such as:
- The restoration or reconstruction of a building (or part of a building) to return it to a known earlier state
- Repair and maintenance works that conserve and enhance older buildings
- Sympathetic and innovative additions to existing residential, commercial or industrial buildings
- The sensitive adaptation of an existing building to make it suitable for another use, e.g. the conversion of a church or an obsolete industrial building for use as residential dwellings.
Other Award categories recognise excellence in innovative design and new construction, adaptation of older buildings, sustainable design, and sensitive repairs to older buildings.
There is also a special award for a community organisation or an individual who has played an important role in fostering awareness of our local cultural heritage and identity and the advantages of good building design.