PRESTIGIOUS honours have been presented to the creative minds behind two landmark buildings which have helped to put York firmly on the national map for architectural excellence.

The £5 million City Screen cinema complex, created out of the former Yorkshire Herald building in Coney Street, and the £2.7 million retail development at 1-5 Davygate were both developed under the supervision of City of York Council.

The buildings, which were designed by London-based Panter Hudspith Architects, won national acclaim in the 2001 Civic Trust Awards - the first time in more than 30 years that York has won a Civic Trust main award - and yesterday their creators were in York to receive their awards.

At a presentation ceremony at City Screen, Councillor Dave Merrett, the council's executive member for planning and transport, presented the awards to architects Mark Panter and Simon Hudspith.

Mr Hudspith said: "We really have to thank City of York Council's planning department for their help in both schemes. Without their help neither scheme would have happened."

Nathan Hazel, City Screen manager, received the official Civic Trust Award plaque and a variety of contractors, including Totty Construction, also received certificates for their involvement in the scheme.

Tony Dennis, the council's head of environment and conservation, said, "The winning projects in York are two schemes which add vitality and variety to the city centre combined with high standards of modern design which are appropriate in their historic context.

"These awards say as much about the contribution of these buildings to improving city life as they do about the innovative architecture and design."

The Civic Trust judges praised the City Screen development, which incorporates three cinema screens, a bar, juice bar and Internet caf as well as three separate restaurant and bar units and a riverside timber walkway, for making an "important contribution to the city's revitalisation".

The Davygate development was said to "offer a lesson in how a contemporary building can contribute to the organic growth of an historic city".

A year ago, the Davygate building won a Royal Institute of British Architects' RIBA 2000 award.

Updated: 09:46 Saturday, June 02, 2001