These awards were made in 2017 when projects completed since mid 2014 were considered.
The Civic Trust award was given to The High Mill, Verdant Works. The High Mill is a Category A Listed Building which was formerly part of the original flax mill complex. It had fallen into a state of dereliction as a result of water ingress which caused considerable damage to ironwork and the failure of its timber floors. As a result of this, which at one point led to an application to demolish it, the restoration was a particularly complex matter. The restoration has provided a glazed link to Verdant Works which leads to a bright area with an enclosed meeting room. This educational space has been designed in a contemporary manner, to complement the existing building rather than to try to replicate what was previously there. The main feature of the High Mill restoration resulted from a decision not to replace the upper level floors and this has allowed the creation of a very attractive gallery and exhibition space. The gallery without the upper level floors is, of course, quite different from the original, but really contributes to the overall feature of the Mill and the modern uses to which it can be put. The quality of the restoration which has sought to not over restore the old building is most impressive. The architect was James F Stephen Architects, the client Dundee Heritage Trust and the main contractor George Martin Builders Limited.
Commendations were also given to six projects; Seabraes Bridge, an interesting new bridge over the railway at Riverside which links with existing pedestrian and cycle paths as well as Perth Road via new steps/ramps; the Leaf Room at Ninewells Community garden, the design for which features an attractive leaf shaped roof and uses local timber; the former Parkview School which has been converted into apartments whilst retaining the character of the Listed Building and features an attractive courtyard along with nicely designed new housing; the new Harris Academy which has replaced the former Listed Building, making good use of the sloping south facing site to provide accommodation fit for modern educational needs; the Young People’s Inpatient Unit at Dudhope House which sits comfortably within its landscape setting and features an attractive combination of timber, dark brick and steel; the DC Thomson building at Meadowside which has been comprehensively upgraded with major external improvements to the roof and features a light and attractive public reception hall.