A NEW creative hub at 37 Queen Street, in Colchester, has been shortlisted for two awards for its impact on Regeneration and Economic Growth.

The transformation of the former Police Station was carried out by owners Colchester Council, along with Partners Phelans Construction, ECC and SPACE.

37 Queen Street has been shortlisted for a national award in the category promoting Economic Growth by The Planning Awards.

The awards, run by Planning magazine, in conjunction with PlanningResource and PlacemakingResource, will be announced at a ceremony at the Savoy, in London, on 21 June 2017.

The Planning Awards recognise outstanding professional planning work and reward excellence in planning-related activities, such as placemaking, urban design, economic development, housing, regeneration, legal advice and environmental consulting.

This award showcases exceptional improvements to urban, rural or coastal areas and judges will look for a scheme that has conserved or improved the built or natural environment in a way that has contributed to the viability of the area.

37 Queen Street has been shortlisted in the Regeneration category by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a second regional award for the East of England. The awards will be announced at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds, on 10 May 2017.

The project has regenerated the former dilapidated Grade II listed building in the St Botolph’s Regeneration Area of Colchester Town Centre, into a 21st century incubation and collaboration space, with ultrafast broadband connectivity for up to 40 new and developing SMEs in the Creative and Digital Sector.

The creative hub is managed by SPACE, leading London-based visual arts organization providing creative workspace, advocacy, support and innovation.

Anna Harding, SPACE Chief Executive, said: "37 Queen Street, which SPACE opened last December, is emerging as a successful creative hub, providing studios, co-working desk space and networking facilities for creative and digital businesses, artists and makers.

"We are excited to give creative people a high quality work environment beyond our existing 19 sites in London. We are hoping this will make a significant contribution to the emerging St. Botolph’s quarter."

Councillor Annie Feltham, portfolio holder for Business, Leisure and Opportunities said: "The investment has breathed new life into a neglected but well-known part of the streetscape in St Botolph’s.

"The project is being seen as an example of outstanding regeneration success. Other local authorities are looking at 37 Queen Street as a model to follow. I am very proud that it has been nominated for these awards."