Civic Trust (England)

Civic Trust Award plaque on the Severn Bridge

The Civic Trust of England and Wales is a charitable organisation founded in 1957. Its prime purpose is to improve the quality of new and historic buildings and public spaces, and to help improve the general quality of urban life. The trust operates from two main offices, in London and Liverpool.

The Trust supports a national network of Civic Societies, which are local groups in which volunteer members participate in efforts to improve their surroundings. It runs the Civic Trust Regeneration Unit, which supports urban and neighbourhood renewal through programmes which address issues of concern, eg the management of the night time economy. It runs campaigns in order to influence or change thinking on civic matters, and sometimes to change government policy. The Trust claims some responsibility for the passing of the acts under which conservation areas exist in Britain today. It also coordinates the European Heritage Open Days.

Awards

The Civic Trust provides incentives for best practice through the Civic Trust Awards. This is scheme which began in 1957, with awards being given annually to buildings and schemes which are architecturally outstanding and make a positive difference to their local community. Each entry is judged by a voluntary panel which includes a member of the local community. Results are collated centrally and a national panel of built environment professionals make the final decision on which schemes merit an Award. There are three levels of award (in order of highest to lowest): Award, Commendation and Merit. It is also possible to apply to be considered for a Sponsored Award.

The Trust also provides awards for well managed public parks in the Green Flag awards.

See also

• The Scottish Civic Trust
• The Birmingham Civic Society
• Bourne Civic Society
• Swindon Civic Trust
• Leeds Civic Trust

External links

• The Official Civic Trust website