SIX of the town's best architectural achievements have today been recognised by the Ipswich Society.Restoration work has led the way, with two of the town's best-known historic buildings being granted awards of distinction - the Society's highest award - to mark their restoration.

SIX of the town's best architectural achievements have today been recognised by the Ipswich Society.

Restoration work has led the way, with two of the town's best-known historic buildings being granted awards of distinction - the Society's highest award - to mark their restoration.

Curson Lodge, in St Nicholas Street, and the Cabman's Shelter in Christchurch Park have both been restored over the last year.

Pat Grimwade from the society said their importance was recognised in the Ipswich Society Awards for 2007, which recognise architectural excellence.

“Curson Lodge is a very important piece of the Ipswich street scene. It is a building that has an important place in the heart of the town and its restoration has been outstanding.

“The award to the Cabman's Shelter recognises the high quality of the craftsmanship that was applied to the work there. It really does look wonderful now.”

Another restoration was highly commended - the conversion of the Grimwade Memorial Hall in Fore Hamlet into apartments by Braceforce Properties Ltd.

The new junior school at St Joseph's College in Birkfield Drive was also highly commended. The modern-style building includes feature roof lights which have been described as looking like daleks!

Two other new developments were commended. Decorative steel gates at the entrance to Barratt's Foxgrove Gardens development in Foxhall Road and the Orwell Furniture showroom at Wherstead Road were both recognised by the society.

The award-winners were chosen by a panel of architectural experts after being nominated by members of the society.

Mrs Grimwade said: “These awards do recognise both the restoration of the old and the creation of new landmarks in the town.

“I think there is always a tendency to recognise in particular buildings that have an important place on the streetscape - which is why Curson Lodge is considered so important.”