The Helmsley Group's commitment to regeneration and sustainable development has been recognised at two design award ceremonies. Blake Mews, an historic building in York city centre which has been redeveloped by Helmsley and the Blake Street Venture, won the 'residential' category at the York Design Awards and was described as 'a really significant scheme which is about rediscovering the historic city core.' It was also 'Highly Commended' in the residential category at the RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards, the only non-winning entrant to receive such an accolade. Helmsley director Ian McAndrew is thrilled with the accolades. He said: “These awards are a fitting tribute to the hard work and expertise put into the scheme by our partners and ourselves. The winner in our category at the RICS Awards was a major £70m project, so for Blake Mews to receive the only 'Highly Commended' award in our category is a great achievement.” Blake Mews was rewarded in recognition of excellence in conservation and outstanding contemporary design. The £4m redevelopment saw sensitive maintenance works carried out to ensure that the grade II listed building's original features were maintained throughout. Two modern shop units were created on the ground floor whilst the upstairs offices were renovated into two residential apartments. To the rear of the building a former TV repair workshop and a warehouse were transformed into two mews-style townhouses, where environmentally friendly features were installed. These included a green sedum roof, an under-floor heating and cooling system and water-saving devices. One retail unit remains for sale or let. For details contact Blacks Property Consultants on 01904 679733.