A major regeneration project in the Midlands has been commended for defying the credit crunch, scooping a top industry award in recognition of its exceptional best practice, particularly in the economic downturn.

The North Solihull Partnership, a joint venture between the public and private sector, was awarded first prize in the 'New Ventures' category of the Homes and Communities Academy Awards, due to its outstanding results in the first four years of the regeneration project. The scheme has already completed 250 homes, two primary schools and 23 social rented units.

The prize was awarded, which was one of nine, on 4 June 2009 at the Homes and Communities Academy Awards ceremony.

Comprising Solihull Council, investment company Inpartnership, housing association Whitefriars and house-builder Bellway, North Solihull Partnership's aim is to regenerate deprived areas in Solihull, through an investment of £1.5 billion.

Thanks to the constitution of the Partnership, and its unique funding model, the 15-year strategy was able to be more flexible, enabling North Solihull Partnership to revise its objectives in line with the economic climate and, as a result bolstered its social housing developments.

In addition to the North Solihull Partnership, three other regeneration projects were commended with first place in other categories at the awards.

Castle Quay Bedford, an historical regeneration project, impressed the judges in the 'Places for All' category with its strategic approach that saw a newly elected mayor working with developers on the regeneration.

Driven by Bedford Borough Council and the Complex Development Project, the scheme creatively used the historical remains of the inner walls of Bedford's former castle to develop a mixed-use leisure complex to improve facilities in the local area.

The scheme successfully blended heritage and culture with the need for a place that would promote a sense of community and residents and visitors alike have since been able to enjoy 100 residential units, eight niche shops, three cafes and a new archaeological park showcasing the area's history.

The Green Horizons housing project in Enfield, London celebrated first place in the 'Leadership of Place' category, wowing the judges by creating a community board of local people to help drive the project , demonstrating impressive results.

The 10-year project replaced four tower blocks containing 734 dwellings with 272 new homes with gardens, provided two new developments of 450 houses, refurbished 500 homes and created jobs by investing in a training and education programme for local residents.

Just 4 Youth by West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust was commended by the judges in the 'Investing in Young People' category, by encouraging young people to take an active role in improving their community.

The project involves young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who were not in education and employment, in improving services for other youngsters in the area. This has been achieved by positioning them as trustees on the Just 4 Youth board, which has introduced a youth employment service which signposts youngsters to job and training opportunities.

Gill Taylor, Chief Executive at the HCA Academy commented on the winners:

"The awards celebrate the very best and most effective regeneration projects across the UK and we're delighted to give The North Solihull Partnership, Castle Quay Bedford, Green Horizons and Just 4 Youth the national recognition they deserve."

"When judging the awards, we look for projects which encourage community cohesion, drive the effective regeneration of local areas and those which lead to positive change to benefit of the whole community."

The Homes and Communities Academy Award winners were announced at the Roundhouse in Camden. The event was attended by 550 key figures within the regeneration industry.

More details on the awards