Restoration work at Darlington Library scoops national award
The redecoration of Darlington Library has been recognised at the Painting and Decorating Association’s (PDA) 2024 Premier Trophy Awards.
The work, carried out by Mitie Property Services’ North East branch, formed part of a £3.7m restoration of the Grade II listed building in Crown Street, which was supported by Arts Council England and the LibraryOn grants programme.
Earlier this month Mitie Property Services’ North East branch was named winner of the Decorative category at the PDA’s 35th awards luncheon held at Plaisterers’ Hall, London.
It’s a landmark year for the ceremony, which marks 35 years of flying the flag for excellence in the trade during the PDA’s 130th Anniversary year.
The project at Darlington Library was chosen as winner of the Decorative category by a panel of judges from the Institute for Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI), who assessed 88 entries overall.
The judges noted that the significant refurbishment had taken place in the listed building with all trades ‘working together to produce an outstanding finish’.
Trophies were presented at the glittering ceremony by PDA chief executive Neil Ogilvie, who was joined by Paul Coward, president of ICWCI and John Kourtoulos, UK & Ireland sales director at AkzoNobel, the main sponsor of the awards.
Mr Ogilvie said: “This is a landmark year both for the PDA and the Premier Trophy Awards, so our very special congratulations go to all the team at Mitie Property Services North.
“These awards fly the flag for excellence in our sector and reflect the hard work, skill and dedication to quality that is required to create a flawless finish.
“The winning projects across the seven categories demonstrate the highest standards our craft has to offer.”
Shaun Denham, regional manager for Mitie Property Services (UK) Ltd, said: “Winning this award is a testament to the dedication and passion of all involved in the project. It is an honour to be recognised in such a competitive field, the skill and craftsmanship that went into the works were outstanding, demonstrating our team’s excellence.
“This achievement reflects not only the hard work of Mitie but also the collaboration and support of the council’s team. We are immensely proud of this accomplishment and grateful to showcase our works on a national stage.”
Cllr Libby McCollom, the council’s cabinet member for local services, added: “We’d like to offer huge congratulations to the team at Mitie Property Services for this success, and it’s great to see that the judges recognised the teamwork involved.
“Our dedicated staff, both within the library service and other teams, worked closely with Mitie and all the contractors involved to ensure the success of this refurbishment. We’re delighted that all their hard work has once again been recognised.”
The PDA is Britain’s largest trade body dedicated to the sector and celebrates its 130th anniversary this year. The Association represents painting and decorating businesses of all types from sole traders through to large scale national contractors employing hundreds of operatives.
With a proud history and a long-standing legacy of promoting high standards and best practice, the PDA requires its members to be insured and appropriately trained as well as committing to a Code of Conduct that includes providing quality work at a reasonable price.
To find out more about Darlington Libraries, the fantastic range of resources it offers and details of its packed programme of summer activities log onto the website at www.darlington.gov.uk/library or download the Darlington Library App. You can also find them on Facebook @DarlingtonLibraries or on Twitter @DarlLibs
Photo caption: The Mitie Property Servies’ North East team receive the PDA award in London