Winchburgh Developments has triumphed at a prestigious UK property awards.

WDL was named the recipient of the Silver Award in the Placemaking category of the renowned What House? Awards in London. The award was presented to the team by actor James Nesbitt in front of 1,300 industry professionals at a glittering gala lunch at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House hotel on Park Lane in London on Friday.

Earlier this year, WDL was crowned Property Company of the Year at the Scottish Property Awards, which aim to shine a spotlight on the greatest achievements in the built environment across Scotland.

At both ceremonies, WDL was recognised for its ongoing investment in the area and the significant development milestones it has achieved over the last 12 months with its “infrastructure-first” approach to community planning. These include: 

• The completion and official opening in June of the main core road, railway overbridge and canal bridge linking Winchburgh town centre to the M9. 
• The opening in August of the second phase of Auldcathie District Park, for the enjoyment of the local community. The park, which has been reclaimed from landfill, now extends to  85-acres and provides a huge greenspace for local people to enjoy and lead a healthy, active lifestyle. 
• The completion and formal handover of Winchburgh Marina to Scottish Canals.
• The start of construction work on Winchburgh’s latest new-build school, Hawkhill Primary School.
• The opening of a new 20,000 sq-ft Sainsbury’s and the establishment of two new businesses on the waterfront serving barista-brewed coffee and traditional Italian gelato.
•  The completion of 55 affordable homes with Taylor Wimpey and Home Group and the first occupations of 81 affordable housing units with Wheatley Group and McTaggart Construction.
• Re-convening of the Winchburgh Railway Station steering group comprising Transport Scotland, Network Rail, SUSTrans and West Lothian Council tasked with  undertaking design and completing the business case for the station.
• Deals completed with  CALA Homes, Lovell Partnerships and Persimmon Homes for the development of 350 new homes.
• The start of a new programme of public art in partnership with West Lothian Council and up-and-coming artist Lewi Quinn.
• A visit to the community by the Scottish Government’s housing minister Paul McLennan to see for himself how WDL’s sustainable and community-led development is creating family-friendly affordable places to live.

John Hamilton, CEO of WDL, said: “It is an honour to have been recognised in the Placemaking category of such a prestigious UK award ceremony. It is a testament to the hard work of all the team here at Winchburgh Developments and of our valued contractors. The success of any placemaking project relies on the support of the local community and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in Winchburgh for their ongoing support in making all these works possible.”

Rupert Bates, Editorial Director of WhatHouse? and Show House magazines, said: “It was a magnificent celebration of the very best new homes in Britain. The quality of the entries, yet alone the winners, was quite exceptional – testimony to industry excellence, with some great housebuilders and developments just missing out on awards this year. Once again, the What House? Awards, now in their 44 th year, were the day the new homes flag flies highest. Many congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to all our sponsors and judges and everybody who attended the biggest day in the housebuilding calendar.”

Photographs courtesy of Philippa Gedge Photography