Apartment scheme built on former shopping centre and brewery site scoops top award

An independent living development in the heart of Burton upon Trent has been recognised for celebrating the town’s rich brewing heritage through its design.

Trent & Dove’s Tyldesley Court has been awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the New Building category at the 2026 Burton Civic Society Architectural Design Awards.

The awards celebrate outstanding architecture and building standards that enhance the town.

Located on High Street with views over the River Trent, Tyldesley Court features 72 one and two-bedroom apartments for people aged over 55.

The development also includes 10 three-bedroom family homes and nine general needs apartments, creating an intergenerational community that helps tackle social isolation and encourages social connection.

The £20.8 million development, supported by a Homes England grant through social housing landlord Trent & Dove's strategic partnership with Orbit, was designed to preserve the area's historic character while creating an attractive new gateway into Burton.

Built by Morro Partnerships and designed by Midlands-based BPN Architects, the scheme transformed the former Bargates Shopping Centre site into a vibrant community focused on accessible, independent living.

Drawing inspiration from Burton's brewing past, the development reflects the traditional streetscape that once occupied the site and similar shopfronts still seen on the west side of High Street.

Brick, the town’s most distinctive building material prevalent in most breweries, is used throughout, with decorative brickwork featuring patterns inspired by local brewing history, including a honeycomb design representing stacked barrels.

Large chimneys, echoing Burton's historic industrial skyline, and the steep roofs of the family homes, inspired by former brewery buildings, further reinforce the town's architectural identity while complementing neighbouring listed buildings.

Trent & Dove Development Director, Charlie Riley, said: "We are delighted to be recognised by Burton Civic Society in its 2026 Architectural Design Awards.

"This award reflects the dedication of our team and partners, who carefully incorporated Burton's rich brewing heritage into the design while reimagining this important gateway into the town.

"As a local housing association, our roots are firmly embedded in the community, and we understand the importance of celebrating our history. This redevelopment has created a contemporary place that respects its surroundings while providing high-quality homes for local people."

Burton Civic Society chairman, Mick Clifford, said: “Tyldesley Court blends thoughtful design with accessibility and redefines an important gateway to the town.”

The development's name reflects Burton’s rich heritage. Tyldesley Court, home to the apartment building, honours Sir Thomas Tyldesley, who led a charge across Burton Bridge during the English Civil War.

Meanwhile, Red Hand Close, which incorporates the 10 three-bedroom family homes, takes its name from the famous Red Hand trademark of historic Burton brewer Samuel Allsopp & Sons, whose brewery once stood beside the site.

The recognition highlights Trent & Dove's commitment to creating homes that not only meet local housing needs but also celebrate Burton upon Trent's distinctive history and character.

Pictured: From left - BPN Architects architect and associate/principal designer Russell Morriss, Burton Civic Society chairman Mick Clifford, Trent & Dove Development director Charlie Riley, and Burton Civic Society vice president Richard Stone