End of an Era

Regeneration leaders have reacted with dismay to the news that the Civic Trust, the charity founded in 1957 to champion England's local civic societies, has entered into administration.

The Trust has blamed lack of investment at local authority level for its demise which has brought to an end 52 years of grass roots and public policy involvement in historic buildings conservation, urban regeneration and promotion of high quality design.

Architect and former president of the RIBA, George Ferguson commented:
"I feel very sorry. I hope that the great tradition of the Civic Trust isn't lost, that something will emerge, rise out of the ashes. We've always been very proud of our awards, they have a wider remit than RIBA ones, which are more architecture-focused. They were more to do with place-making."

The news was announced just weeks after the Trust's prestigious annual awards ceremony which saw more than 100 buildings and projects recognised for their contribution to design and sustainability.