Renovation of historic sites praised

A learning centre in Hampton Court Palace and the renovation of a West End baroque hotel have been named as two of the best redevelopments of historic buildings in the country.

Four schemes at historic buildings or areas in London were honoured by English Heritage for managing to retain the original character of the sites despite major alterations.

The winning projects are the King's Cross Central redevelopment in the hinterland of the station, the National Sports Centre in Crystal Palace, Regent Palace Hotel in the West End and the Clore Learning Centre at Hampton Court.

The Hampton Court project was particularly unusual as it involved adding a new building. The Regent Palace was threatened with demolition but now its facade and key rooms have been preserved.

The four are among England's 20 best heritage developments named at the former Commonwealth Institute in Kensington High Street today.

Steve Bee, of English Heritage, said the projects were attractive, successful and improved heritage sites.