Bath & North East Somerset Council has been commended in the prestigious MJ Awards for its regeneration of Keynsham's former civic centre.

The annual MJ Local Government Achievement Awards recognise best practice amongst local authorities across the country, with the council commended for Innovation in Property and Asset Management.

The challenging redevelopment of the 1960's civic centre building to deliver modern, affordable, sustainable homes was carried out by the council's property company Aequus Construction Ltd (ADL).

The company supports the council's objectives to improve the supply, quality and quantity of homes available in the district, and to repurpose buildings in innovative and imaginative ways that improve people's lives. Profits from Aequus are used to deliver services for residents and therefore reduce public costs.

95 contemporary studio, one and two bedroom apartments were created, at the renamed Riverside View, with all but 17 now sold.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: "To be commended in the prestigious MJ Awards is a fantastic achievement. Aequus has done some excellent work in redeveloping this important site that supports Keynsham's wider regeneration. This development exemplifies the aims and values of the council in providing great energy efficient sustainable homes through the repurposing and redevelopment of disused properties."

Redevelopment work is still continuing at Riverside View with the South Block due to be completed this Autumn.

The commendation in the MJ Awards is the second time the council has been recognised for its exemplary redevelopment of the Keynsham site. Last year Aequus scooped the Developer Award at the Bath Property Awards.