Construction firm scoops award for youth project

A Yorkshire construction firm has been recognised for delivering the region’s best refurbishment and revitalisation project following the transformation of a historic building into a new youth facility.

Hobson & Porter won the refurbishment and revitalisation category at this year’s Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards for its work on the £11.5 million Horizon Youth Zone in Grimsby. 

The project will now go forward to the national RICS Awards in London later this year.

Joe Booth, pre-construction and business development director from Hobson & Porter, said: “Horizon Youth Zone is already proving to be hugely popular with lots of young people from across Grimsby and the surrounding area. 

“It’s providing opportunities to engage in activities and develop new skills and reach their full potential, which is fantastic for everyone involved in the project.

“It’s also transformed several listed buildings and brought a large, disused site back into use, in what was a very complex project that included sensitive conservation phases, new-build sections, a huge amount of refurbishment work, lots of repurposing, river works and highway improvements. 

“All this had to be carefully planned and managed throughout the two-year project.

“To win this award is therefore a brilliant achievement for our entire team and supply chain partners, and demonstrates our skill, craftsmanship and expertise when it comes to working on multifaceted and heritage projects. 

“The judges recognised the project’s constrained site and praised the outstanding quality of workmanship and, most importantly, its incredible community impact, which is testament to the skill of the entire team that brought this exceptional project to life.”

Completed in November and opened in February, Horizon Youth Zone provides affordable activities and support for young people aged eight to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs.

The scheme involved restoring and repurposing Grade II-listed former maltings and grain store buildings, alongside rebuilding part of the site on the banks of the River Freshney using a floating pontoon to access the river wall.

The facility includes sports, fitness, music, performing arts and creative spaces, with young people helping to shape the interior design through the project's Young People's Development Group.

Delivered in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council and supported by a range of public and private funders, the project was also visited by King Charles III last month during a tour of the town.

Lucy Ottewell-Key, chief executive of Horizon Youth Zone, added: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the success of Horizon Youth Zone in its first five months and how well received it has been by the local community. 

“However, it wouldn’t be possible without such amazing facilities in these stunning buildings and we’re all therefore delighted that it has been named as the region’s finest refurbishment and revitalisation project.”

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