Community projects, restoration schemes and problem sites across Chester have been singled out in the city's latest Civic Trust awards.

The long-running scheme, formerly known as the "Good, Bad and Ugly" awards, has evolved to focus on celebrating positive change, highlighting improvement, and drawing attention to aspects of the built environment that fall short of expectations.

Now in its 20th year, the awards were presented at Bishop Lloyd's Palace on Watergate Street, the Trust's headquarters in Chester city centre.

A total of 49 nominations were received from members, including 24 in the "Good" category, six for improvement and 19 identified as "Bad".

Judging panel chair Peter Hadfield said this year's entries reflected two clear themes: the strong contribution of volunteers across Chester, and ongoing concerns about the quality of several key gateway approaches into the city.

He also thanked fellow judges Chloe Sheward, Paul Fielding, Steve Wright, Geoff Clifton and Philip Harrison for their work in assessing nominations.

The Chair's Special Award went to the Thomas Brassey Society, recognised for its work promoting the legacy of the railway engineer born in Chester.

The society's educational activity and exhibitions culminated in the installation of a bronze statue outside Chester Railway Station, supported by interpretation panels marking Brassey's achievements and local connections.

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Among the Good Awards, restoration work on stallboards within Chester's historic Rows was praised for improving appearance and preserving key architectural features. Repairs have included cleaning, reoiling and targeted replacement using responsibly sourced timber, helping maintain the character of the pedestrian walkway system.

Rooftop Social Club's conversion of the upper floors of a city centre car park was also recognised for creating a new social space for families and younger residents. Despite initial opposition, the venue has introduced measures to manage noise and behaviour, with early critics reportedly reassessing their concerns.

The Queen's Garden in Hoole, created by local volunteers in memory of Queen Elizabeth II, was commended for transforming a neglected site into a well-used community space. The garden now hosts regular events, including commemorations and seasonal celebrations, and is supported by ongoing community involvement.

Seasonal floral displays across the city, including at the Amphitheatre and several hospitality venues, were highlighted for significantly improving the summer streetscape, with judges noting their positive impact on public perception and visitor experience.

The refurbishment of The Jolly Gardeners pub was also praised for its sensitive conservation approach. Original features including brickwork, timber beams and sash windows were retained and restored, while new interventions were designed in a contemporary but sympathetic style using natural and locally sourced materials.

The Trust also recognised the contribution of Peter Elliott and Steve Howe for their extensive online historical resources documenting Chester's past.

Elliott's Chester Wiki and Howe's "Virtual Stroll Around the Walls" are widely used by residents, researchers and visitors. The Trust also noted the death of Peter Elliott in 2025, acknowledging his significant role in documenting the city's heritage.

Volunteer-led projects featured strongly in the commendations.

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This included the Cheshire West Design Awards steering group, the Heritage Open Days opening of the Shot Tower - which attracted more than 400 visitors despite poor weather, interpretation boards at The Dingle in Curzon Park, and improvements at Sandy Lane Park - including planting, public art and new community facilities such as a defibrillator.

In the Improvement Awards, the refurbished frontage of the former Browns building on Eastgate Street was recognised for significantly improving a long-neglected façade ahead of its redevelopment.

Restoration at 35 Eastgate Street was also praised for revealing decorative Victorian detailing designed by John Douglas, enhancing one of Chester's most distinctive architectural streetscapes.

Progress on stabilisation works to a collapsed section of the City Walls was also acknowledged, with stage one now completed and further investigations planned for 2026 ahead of full repairs.

In the 'Bad Awards', concerns were raised about the approach into Chester along Hoole Way, where service areas and bin storage were said to create a poor first impression.

The City Forest Garden, once an award-winning environmental project, was noted as having declined in maintenance and use in recent years.

The Fountains Roundabout was highlighted for the loss of its former water features, while St Martin's Gate was identified as suffering from long-standing maintenance issues affecting a prominent city route.

Other concerns included the vacant Fontessa House on Upper Northgate Street, Richmond Garden in Boughton, and underused ground-floor units at Tower Wharf, all described as contributing to a weaker visual impression in key areas of the city.