A FIRM of York architects and a new £10 million care village in the city both received national recognition at this years Pinders Healthcare Design Awards.

DWA Architects, based in Osbaldwick, picked up two titles from the UK wide awards scheme for design in the healthcare sector.

The company won both award categories it was shortlisted for, in a glittering ceremony in London, presented by world cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst.

DWA Architects had already won nine Pinders Awards since 2006.

DWA’s Fernhill House, in Worcester, which was designed for Majesticare, won the best new care home for the elderly award and Swan Court in Birmingham, created for Precious Homes, won the best regeneration award.

York had another winner on the night was the £10 million The Chocolate Works Care Village, which took the Best Care Village title.

Judges were impressed with how the scheme has overcome challenges associated with restoring the listed building, which once housed the headquarters of Terry’s York.

Simpsons of York builders completed the build after being selected as principal contractor for experience working with listed buildings.

Commenting on DWA’s double award win, David Ward, managing director of the architects firm said: “We are naturally thrilled to win both awards and for our high quality designs to be recognised by the judges in these national awards.

“It builds on the strong track record and reputation for quality in the care sector we have built up over the last 30 years.”

In the elderly care home category, Fernhill House, which opened last year, is a 66-bed residential home. The £4.3 million facility features a replica pub, a private dining room, a cinema room, landscaped gardens and a hairdresser.

The Swan Court project transformed and re-developed an older person’s sheltered housing scheme into a three-tiered residential and supported living accommodation development. The scheme also includes a social enterprise cafe for younger people and adults, which is a central element of the design.

The restoration of the practically derelict site to create The Chocolate Works Care Village was the brainchild of Springfield Group’s chief executive Graeme Lee, whose vision of a Care Village for the citizens of York and the surrounding area has become a reality.

The Pinders Healthcare and Design Awards aim to promote and recognise the very best developments in all types of care-related property.