The Forum Southend-on-Sea has won this year’s Southend Design Awards.

Organised annually by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council since 1994, the awards aim to recognise and encourage excellence in local development and reward outstanding examples of architecture and conservation.

The Forum, which was designed by architects ADP, received the New Build Award alongside being named outright winner.

• See photos of The Forum Southend-on-Sea on our Flickr pages

The judges commented: “The panel was very impressed with the design of the building which they thought had provided a great new community facility and public space for the town. It said the elevations were classy and controlled and the whole building was well considered and detailed and see it as a positive step in realising a vision for an ‘academic quarter’ in the area, commenting the building had brought a vibrant city feel to Southend town centre and it should be a catalyst for future regeneration.”

Other awards categories included conservation, sustainable development, small projects and public space

The judging panel was chaired by Councillor Jonathan Garston, Southend on Sea Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Planning, and included representatives from RIBA, RICS and a local Conservation Society.

Councillor Garston said: "The competition is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the architectural ideas and innovations across our town. This year the panel has chosen some extremely varied and distinguished winners. The buildings and projects are a credit to Southend and help us to develop our current and future heritage."