Return to Awards home page

Transforming the Ashby Woulds

The Ashby Woulds in north western Leicestershire lies at the heart of the former Leicestershire Coalfield in the Midlands of England. Coal and clay have shaped the local environment and economy, until recently dominated by deep mining. The starting point for tackling the devastation facing the area was a study of the Ashby Woulds by consultants who put forward proposals to improve its image and environment, reclaim derelict land and halt population and economic decline. The key to moving to an agreed plan was the formation of the Ashby Woulds Regeneration Forum in 1992. Having reached a consensus about the future of the area and provided a strategic framework for its development, Forum partners carried out a massive programme of renewal that has brought far-reaching benefits. The Forum itself has played a key role in stimulating, facilitating and guiding the development of a range of regeneration and development schemes which have produced dramatic improvements to the environment, image and economy of the area.

The Jury said:
This plan gets a special mention for the thorough and daring approach to giving derelict land a new future. Interactive working with so many stakeholders in a Forum with overall responsibility is very promising. The years to come will show whether the innovation and implementation will endure.