THE transformation of a former munitions site in Hereford into a business centre has won a regional award.

The Shell Store, at Skylon Park in Rotherwas, won the commercial development of the year category at the Insider West Midlands Property Awards.

The awards attracted a record number of entries from across the region, but the £7.3m Shell Store project beat tough competition to win the accolade.

The First World War site has been transformed into a business space, all while maintaining many of the iconic building’s original features, such as the iconic roofline.

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The judges said: “This unique scheme stood out not only because the redevelopment was handled sensitivity, but the character, as well as parts of the framework of the original building were both retained and celebrated. A restoration project to be proud of.”

Chairman of Hereford Enterprise Zone, Andrew Manning Cox, spoke of the challenging nature of the project

“The building had lain empty and derelict for more than 50 years, meaning the contractors faced some tough challenges to bring the structure back to life," he said.

The Shell Store was opened by Robert Jenrick, the then Secretary of State for communities, housing and local government

The Shell Store was opened by Robert Jenrick, the then Secretary of State for communities, housing and local government

Ben Ramsay, managing director at Barnwood Construction, the project's main contractors, said the project essentially required a building to be created within a building.

Councillor David Hitchiner, leader of Herefordshire Council, said he was delighted the local project had won the prize at the awards, held in Birmingham on November 4. 

“The Shell Store is now a rejuvenated feature of the Herefordshire business landscape and will provide unique space for up to 40 businesses across a range of sectors," he said.

“Receiving the top honour in the Midlands awards demonstrates just what a transformation this project has been."

The Shell Store was funded by Herefordshire Council, the European Regional Development Fund and a loan from the Marches LEP’s Marches Investment Fund. It was officially opened by Robert Jenrick MP, then Secretary of State Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in July 2021.