FMB South West Master Builder Awards – The Goods Shed

Wiltshire builder scoops two top industry awards for the creation of a historic community arts centre

Chippenham-based building firm Stonewood Builders Ltd has scooped two prestigious Master Builder Awards, taking the prize for best Heritage Project and best Local Authority / Public Sector project in the Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB) South West Region awards.

Since 1999, the Master Builder Awards has been a flagship for high-quality building work, showcasing examples of fantastic craftsmanship, exceptional customer service and building excellence. Organised by the FMB, the awards programme is unique in that any project entered by the builder must be backed up by the customer – giving clients the opportunity to support those building companies that have delivered exceptional results. The awards programme recognises the hard work and contribution that small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms make to the UK construction industry.

Stonewood Builders Ltd collected both prizes for the work carried out on The Good Shed Arts Centre in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. The project involved the conversion of a listed former Great Western Railway goods shed into a community facility for events, including arts and drama.

The Tetbury Goods Shed is one of the few remaining remnants of the Tetbury Branch Line running from Kemble to Tetbury that was closed in 1963. The brick building was built in the 1890s and the team has tried to preserve as much as the original character as possible. The conversion included a hugely impressive automated and retractable tiered seating system that allows 196 people to have a perfect view of live and projected performances – while sitting under a cutting-edge surround sound system tailored to suit the building.

Stonewood Builders Ltd was selected by the judges to win the South West Region Award, which was presented at the FMB South West, Midlands and Eastern Master Builder Awards Gala Dinner, at the Hilton DoubleTree, Stratford-upon-Avon on 21st June. The firm will now go through to compete in the national finals for the chance to win the UK category title. The national ceremony will be held at the InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane, London on 20th September.

Phil Hodge, FMB South Director, said: “The Master Builder Awards give the FMB the opportunity to celebrate a job well done and for clients to say thank you to their builders. For the construction industry, it is an opportunity to celebrate all that is good about small local building firms and their contribution to the UK economy.

“Time and time again, we have been impressed with just how far these builders will go to ensure their client is happy. It is this dedication that we want to celebrate. Stonewood Builders should feel justly proud of their achievement in winning and we wish the firm every success in the national competition.”

If Stonewood Builders Ltd wins the overall national Master Builder Awards title, selected from all national category winners, the firm will drive away with a new Isuzu D-Max Utah Pick Up truck worth more than £30,000. The company’s client will also receive a cheque for £1,000 for their efforts.