ONE of Ruthin's most recognisable building has been nominated for a prize celebrating small projects throughout the UK.

Now in its 26th year, the Architects' Journal Small Projects Award highlights projects with a contract value of £299,000.

Ruthin's Old Courthouse/Hen Lys joins more than 200 nominated projects now featured in the AJ Buildings Library and the 20 final shortlisted projects will be announced on March 25.

Following the closure of the NatWest Bank in Ruthin in 2017, The Old Courthouse (a 600 year old Mediaeval Grade II-Listed building) was purchased by Ruthin Town Council in January 2019 with the aim of creating: A Community, Civic and Visitor Hub in the heart of the town.

The £115K refurbishment project has involved full replacement of all electrical, heating and plumbing, stripping out unsightly 20th Century layers of services and IT and security fittings of a bank.

It has also introduced a simple and discreet means for electric and heating distribution including a ceiling services ‘ribbon' - a contemporary intervention to provide lighting, CCTV, audio, IT, projections etc; as well as full repair and redecoration, new Berwyn Quarry slate floor and contemporary adaptable furniture.

The building will create a residents and visitors focus in the day with collaborative workspace, retail showcase, information point and the ’Stori Rhuthun' Heritage and art exhibition space in the main hall.

Each evening, and on some days, it is then a blank canvas to be hired or used by the community.

Ruthin Mayor Gavin Harris said: "This nomination and the inclusion of the project in the Building library is a great testament to the work and dedication of the volunteers on the working group, Town Councillors and representatives from across the community who have given their time for free.

"All in all, they have given over 2,500 hours voluntarily. It is also testament to the support given both enthusiastically and financially by the local community, sponsors and donors to deliver this project for the lowest cost, but highest quality appropriate for a listed building of national importance.

"Despite the impacts of Covid on progress, we look forward to resuming activities and opening in the spring subject to government regulations."

To view the full list of projects throughout the UK which have been nominated for the awards, go to: www.ajbuildingslibrary.co.uk/projects