THE renovation and refurbishment of the flagship Shropshire arts and entertainment venue Ludlow Assembly Rooms has won first place in an awards scheme recognising some of the top property projects in the Midlands.

The work by Pave Aways Building Contractors, delivered on behalf of Shropshire Council, has seen the Ludlow Assembly Rooms project recognised.

The £3.5m contract included reinstating the original Castle Square entrance, redesigning the auditorium, creating a new box office, improvements to accessibility, a visitor information centre and café bar, modernisation of the mechanical and technical equipment and installation of photo voltaic panels to generate electricity.

It was predominantly funded by Shropshire Council, with grants also received from the European Regional Development Fund, Arts Council England, and Ludlow and District Community Association.