Networking: The EXCHANGE wins top regional award

Part of the community-led redevelopment of Sturminster Newton's old livestock market site, The Exchange is a dramatic new community centre. Following closures of the livestock market and Creamery, The Exchange will catalyse community regeneration and includes a main hall/theatre, meeting rooms, learning centre, covered market, business starter and community offices. The project is the culmination of ten years of hard work and commitment by the community of Sturminster Newton.

The Exchange overcame strong competition from twenty other project entries to claim the title of Best Regional Market Town Project and the award was accepted on behalf of the town by Robert Cowley, Jackie Upton and John Dimmer, who have been a driving force behind the project.

James Hassett, Chief Executive of the Market and Coastal Towns Association commented,

"The Exchange is a great example of a community coming together over a sustained period of time to address a significant issue in the middle of a small market town. The project has been promoted, supported and delivered by a wide community partnership that has generated a real sense of ownership and pride in the town. The Judging Panel felt that The Exchange demonstrates innovative thinking in the use of the site and excellence in design. It represents everything that is great about locally generated initiatives."

The Awards Scheme which was co-ordinated regionally by the Market and Coastal Towns Association seeks to celebrate the excellent work being undertaken in the country's market towns by recognising sustainable and innovative projects. The Exchange will now go forward to represent the south west region at the National Market Town Awards which is being held by Action for Market Towns on 26 September in Newmarket. The Exchange will be competing with a number of other projects from around the country.