THE very best of modern building design in York was recognised at an awards ceremony at the University of York last night.

Among the winners in the York Design Awards was York’s newly-revamped art gallery, which picked up both the Lord Mayor’s Award and an award for public and community building; the Hiscox building on Stonebow; a new housing estate at Le Tour Way in Acomb; and a public toilet in St Leonard’s Place.

A student housing block in Walmgate also picked up an award, as did a bike repair shop and café on Micklegate, the restored Walmgate Bar - and the new-look King’s Square.

With the aim of the Design Awards being to raise the standard of design across York, it was the city as a whole that was the real winner, however, said Design Awards chair Janet Hopton.

Now in their tenth year, the awards seek to recognise excellence of design across a range of categories including large and small public as well as commercial buildings, open spaces, community projects and even individual homes.

“The aim of the awards is to stress the importance of excellent architectural design and conservation in and around the city,” said Mrs Hopton. “This year’s 29 schemes, all of a very high quality and design, have demonstrated, as in previous years, how many owners, architects, and developers share this view and are creating a worthy 21st century legacy for the city. What better way to celebrate the tenth anniversary of York Design Awards?”

A panel of four judges visited every scheme before deciding the winner of each category.

Praising York Art Gallery, head judge Julian Bicknell said it was “elegant in all its details, preserving the best of the Victorian craftsmanship, yet including a number of wildly contemporary gesture”.

The King’s Square scheme, he said, had made “a much-loved part of old York infinitely more pleasing and welcoming”, while the Your Bike Shed cycling cafe in Micklegate was “witty and engaging”.

There was one award which was not decided by the judges, however - but by members of the public and readers of The Press.

The winner of this year’s Press People’s Award was presented last night by The Press’ deputy editor Stuart Martel to Hotel Indigo on Walmgate.

Mr Bicknell described it as a building with a “richly eclectic mix of contemporary styles with many references to York and its traditions.”