A PROJECT to restore a celebrated Basingstoke landmark to its former glory has scooped a top industry award.

The Basing House restoration project, led by Hampshire County Council’s property services team, won the conservation award at the Society of Chief Architects of Local Authorities (SCALA) annual Civic Building of the Year Awards.

The Heritage Lottery Fund- backed project has seen experts repair and restore the Grade 1 listed Great Barn and surrounding buildings at the site of the once extensive Tudor palace, which was destroyed during the English Civil War.

SCALA judges praised the level of research, and the attention to detail in restoring the landmark.

“Subtle adaptations and alterations have been carefully introduced to give a new purpose to this magnificent collection of historic buildings,” the judges said. “The skills of all concerned with this beautiful piece of work deserve high recognition and reward.”

The Basing House project was one of three in Hampshire picked out for special recognition.

Following the success, Hamp-shire County Council leader Councillor Ken Thornber said: “The quality of our public buildings in Hampshire has huge significance in terms of shaping communities and providing residents and the people in our care with attractive and inspirational surroundings. This latest recognition builds on the outstanding reputation of Hampshire’s property services in public sector design.”