Bristol’s former General Hospital is to go head to head with 11 other conservation projects from across the UK in the final of a major national property award scheme.
The project by Essex-based specialist developer City & Country, pictured, topped the Building Conservation category at the 2017 RICS Awards, South West, in May before it was finished. 
Now it is to compete in the same category in the prestigious RICS national awards on November 2 at the InterContinental London, Park Lane Hotel. Among the conservation projects it will line up against are the Queen’s House & Bell Tower at the Tower of London
The scheme, which has won a clutch of awards, is transforming the Grade II listed building into a scheme that eventually create 206 new homes.
It includes a converted chapel, triplex apartments with glazed upper floors and a penthouse apartment in the unique octagonal tower.
It is also home to Michelin-starred restaurant Casamia, along with the Paco Tapas and Pi Pizzeria restaurants.
Judges in the regional finals praised The General as “synonymous with masterful design, imaginative use of space and dedicated craftsmanship”. The General, they said, combined restoration and new-build residential property with a range of commercial premises.
They added: “Since opening in 2014 it has forged a reputation as one of the most exciting new residential developments in Bristol, setting a benchmark for other developers to aspire to”.
The overall winner was the ground-breaking Gloucester Services on the M5, which not only scooped the prestigious title this year, but also won the Community Benefit and Infrastructure property categories.
Other regional winners included Bath Spa University’s renovation of Green Park House as student accommodation, the Stihl Treetop Walkway in Tetbury (Tourism & Leisure), the Arts University Bournemouth Design Studios and Workshops in Poole (Design through Innovation).
Chair of the judging panel for the RICS Awards, South West, Mark Robinson said: “The RICS Awards showcase the achievements and community impact of each region’s most inspirational built initiatives and developments, and this year’s winners from the South West heat are truly exemplary and world class.
“The teams behind them have demonstrated just what can be achieved with vision and a joined-up, collaborative approach. I wish them all the very best of luck in having their talent and expertise recognised nationally, and gaining nationwide recognition of the positive impact these schemes are having on their local communities.”
