Places Matter! has announced this year’s winners of its Christmas Crackers, an annual festive awards scheme for outstanding contributions to design and the built environment. The awards celebrate the fresh, challenging and lively responses its winners each bring to their own areas of work.

Places Matter! comments throughout the year on the physical developments that make a difference to local places. Now in its fifth year the annual awarding of Crackers gives the opportunity to recognise the role and impact of energetic and enthusiastic people from a variety of interests who care about their surroundings and are prepared to make a difference. 

Places Matter! is delighted to award its 2011 Christmas Crackers to:

Mark Calvert, Senior Land Manager, Taylor Wimpey for recognising the unique setting of Orica, Shevington, Wigan and responding with a place making approach to this distinctive site.

Christopher Carroll, Urban Design Planning Officer, Wigan Council for his contribution to design quality through NW Design Review and the NW Local Authority Building for Life Network.

Ian Hilliker, Technical Director Barratt Homes Manchester for supporting good design through the engagement of a quality architect to deliver a highly aspirational housing at Speke Hall Avenue, Liverpool.

Place Northwest, for the whole team in recognition of their sector knowledge, professionalism and humour in delivering news, generating debate and delivering content about the property sector in the North West.

Gerry Proctor, Chair of Engage, for championing debate and activity that reflect the interests of Liverpool’s 25,000 city centre and waterfront residents.

Annie Atkins, Places Matter! Programme Director, said “The 2011 Crackers demonstrate how the built environment sector in the North West has responded positively during a difficult year.  Cracker recipients this year include a residents group, the media, house builders and local authority staff.  We wish them all a merry xmas and a prosperous new year.”