A BUILDING company has won a national award for its work on Bournemouth council’s new Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre.

Drew Construction Group, based in New Milton, took the Heritage Project of the Year title from the National Federation of Builders.

The team provided examples of collaborative working and an ambitious makeover in keeping with its surroundings.

The company refurbished the existing barn at the site to create exhibition space for displaying and preserving archaeological, ecological and geological artefacts at the nature reserve.

It also built an extension from straw bales to form a reception area and shop.

Cllr Lawrence Williams, Bournemouth council’s cabinet member for tourism, leisure and culture, said: “We are exceptionally pleased. “The comments from the public range from ‘beautifully designed and conceived’ to ‘one of the best things Bournemouth has ever done’. We have been overwhelmed with praise and messages of goodwill.

“Drew performed very well from the outset when we had to value engineer the project to get it within budget.

“They were extremely helpful. Their site manager was courteous and informative and throughout performance levels were excellent.”

The awards were held at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms and were presented by TV presenter and consumer affairs specialist Dominic Littlewood.

He told the nominees: “I would like to add my own personal congratulations to each and every one of you. Being shortlisted in an awards scheme such as this is testament to the hard work and commitment you demonstrate every day.”

He added: “It is nice to be presenting awards to the builders and associate companies who’ve done the job right.”