FEATURE
ABERYSTWYTH DEVELOPMENT WINS SBD DEVELOPMENT AWARD
» A DEVELOPMENT THAT WAS previously occupied by 38 unsightly , unsafe and hazardous derelict garages in Aberystwyth has won the small development of the year award at this year ’ s Secured by Design ( SBD ) ATLAS awards .
The Penparcau redevelopment transformed the locality which previously suffered from anti-social behaviour , criminal damage and arson has now provided nine one-bedroom flats for affordable ( social ) rent , each with their own parking space , together with new community parking .
The design adopted a modular approach , with all 9 homes being the same unit , set out in a staggered and stacked arrangement to form one cohesive building that provides each flat with its own dedicated amenity area and parking space .
Receiving the award , Dyfed-Powys Police Designing Out Crime Officer PC Steve Morris said : “ I am delighted that this scheme won this prestigious national award . After the completion of the development total Incidents reported to the police reduced by 46 % in the area , and anti-social behaviour reports reduced by 75 %.
“ This was judged to be the winning submission based on the challenging nature of the site , being only five metres wide , the innovative solutions implemented and the subsequent significant reduction in crime .”
Geraint Roberts a Senior Development Officer for Barcud , the housing association responsible for the development said “ This is great news and a testament to everybody involved . An important aim of this scheme from the outset was to not only provide new highquality homes that people want to live in , but to make a positive contribution to local residents , and this award recognises that positive impact .”
Daryl Davies the Contracts Manager for the builder , Williams Homes said , “ This was a very challenging but enjoyable project to be involved with , and it ’ s great to see it get the recognition it deserves .
“ We are proud to be able to handover this scheme to Barcud and help make a difference to the local community by providing much needed quality housing .”
Inspector Darren Crockford from Dyfed-Powys Police , said : “ I personally think that this is a true example of how crime ridden derelict garage sites can be transformed to safe and sustainable homes for future generations .
“ The development offered an exciting opportunity to significantly enhance the street scene along Heol Dinas by removing unsightly redundant garages and providing a replacement building that is of a high-quality design . It has the potential to uplift existing residential development along this street and make a significant contribution towards regeneration of this area of Penparcau .
“ The development provides an innovative , well-designed , solution to what was a problematic garage area .”
Improved security
Developers around the UK can achieve SBD awards for incorporating crime prevention measures and techniques into their developments in all kinds of building sectors , such as residential , education , health , transport , commercial , retail , sport and leisure . Indeed , SBD can be used as evidence to discharge third-party obligations under Part Q of Schedule 1 ( Security ) to the English Building Regulations , the Scottish Building Standard 4.13 ( Security ) and Welsh Building Regulations Part Q ( Security – Dwellings ). These awards are gained by working with police Designing Out Crime Officers ( DOCOs ), who advise architects , developers and local authority planners long before construction begins – and continue to provide advice and guidance until the development is complete .
Academic and other research shows that improving standards of security in brand new and refurbished properties , helps deter and reduce crime . Reducing crime and the fear of crime has direct links to better physical and mental well-being , such as with regard to high volume crimes like domestic abuse .
The built environment influences the behaviour of people who work , live , socialise or simply pass through . SBD seeks to create environments where the law-abiding feel safe and secure whilst at the same time causing the criminal or anti-social to feel vulnerable to detection and thereby influence behaviour in a positive way . This continues to be a key objective for SBD .
www . securedbydesign . com
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MAY 2024
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