Just enjoyed a great weekend in London. No, not just seeing Chelsea fans walking around with their heads down, nor attending the Frieze Art Fair, but also winning an award at the Stirling Prize ceremony at Old Billingsgate.

It was to my absolute delight that the architecture critic (and TV personality!) Tom Dyckhoff, took to the stage and announced that we had won the Crown Estate Conservation Award for our work on the Midland Hotel in Morecambe. Tom Heatherwick was also a judge – see a picture of the ‘3 Toms’ here – anyone see any similarities to the old band the ‘3 Johns’ – that’s if you’re young enough to remember them!

The award is a great accolade which I am incredibly proud of. Its our 22nd award from the RIBA; our 283rd award overall, and it’s nice to have some good news in what’s been a difficult year!

It shows once again that design led regeneration really can work. Throughout the Urban Splash portfolio design has always been at the forefront of what we do; it helps make great places and buildings, places where people want to live, work and play. The Midland has come a long way and its redevelopment is certainly helping Morecambe become a more attractive destination. People have doubted us, and the town’s fortunes in the long term are yet to be judged but just look back 15 years and see what Urban Splash faced in redeveloping disused Victorian buildings in Manchester and Liverpool – places which are now home to hundreds of people and businesses.

We try in everything we do to make a difference. When we bought the Midland Hotel on Christmas Eve in 2003 (quite a present might I add!) we didn’t design it with awards or recognition in mind, but more about creating a nice place for us to visit. The hotel had so many beautiful original features that had been left to ruin and we needed to bring those back to life, use them as a reminder of the Hotel’s heritage, whilst creating modern features around them that would appeal to a new breed of visitor.

What we ended up with was a contemporary hotel that I love to visit. It has some of the best views in the country, especially at sunset. It’s fair to say that service at the hotel hasn’t always reached our aspirations but English Lakes Hotels are now running it and doing a very good job. Take a look and if you like what you see let me know. If you don’t, blame English Lakes! Only joking!

If you can visit, and are feeling particularly extravagant, book room 302. Its wonderful and comes complete with a rooftop hot tub – just the place to party! If you do go let me know what you think.