Shropshire wedding venue has eyes on prize after rising from ashes of devastating blaze
Born out of the ashes of a blaze that destroyed a hotel, a Shropshire wedding venue has now been shortlisted for a top property award.
The Mill Barns wedding venue, in Alveley, near Bridgnorth, is one of three properties that will be vying for the regional tourism and leisure title in the RICS 2018 awards - known as the property Oscars.
It will be up against another Shropshire venue, Attingham Park’s visitor centre, and the World of Wedgwood in Stoke on Trent.
The Mill Barns is a purpose-built hospitality venue, created on the site of the former Allum Bridge Mill – a 17th century watermill.
The former mill was extensively re-modelled and operated as a successful hotel and events venue until it closed in late 2014. In May 2015 the Mill Hotel was destroyed in a huge blaze with firefighters remaining on the scene for four days.
The remaining buildings on the site were largely demolished and the site was put up for auction, when it was bought and converted by husband and wife Ben and Sarah Reeves.
Attingham Park renovations in line for award
Attingham Park at Atcham, near Shrewsbury, which is a National Trust property, is one of 22 buildings in the running for the RICS Awards 2018, West Midlands.
The estate’s new visitor centre, biomass boiler and renovated Stables Restaurant have been shortlisted for the building conservation and tourism and leisure categories in the awards.
This year sees some of the most innovative and collaborative projects from across the region including Birmingham, the Black County, Herefordshire, Coventry and Warwickshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire.
The category winners will then go forth for the acclaimed Project of the Year title, awarded to the scheme that demonstrates outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment to adding value to its local area. Last year saw Birmingham Institute for Forest Research in Staffordshire win the esteemed title.
Rachael Freemantle, senior building surveyor at the National Trust said: “The National Trust and BHB Architects are thrilled that the Attingham Park visitor centre, biomass and Stables Café renovation project has been shortlisted in both categories.
"The work undertaken has enhanced the presentation of the historic spaces, parkland and the grand design of Attingham’s Stable Block, as well as greatly improving the visitor experience and their needs in terms of welcome, catering and interpretation”
Chair of the RICS Awards 2018, West Midlands judging panel, Gurdip Chamba, of Crossland Property, said: “Last year I was extremely proud to see our region take home the overall title of National Project of the Year for the second year running with The National Memorial Arboretum’s Remembrance Centre. This project showcased exemplary talent and plays a significant role in lives of so many.”
