The biennial award was initiated in 2013 In memory of the work of the late Frank Marshall who on behalf of the Society single-handedly monitored planning policy, applications and conditions in Sevenoaks for over a quarter of a century.
It aims to recognise the best improvement or contribution to the townscape of Sevenoaks over the preceding two years. Members of the Society are invited to nominate any improved site, area or facet of the town that they consider merits recognition – such as a well-designed new building, a refurbished courtyard, an attractive planting scheme, a renovated facade, an upgraded walkway, an art installation, etc. All nominations have to be within the boundary administered by the Sevenoaks Town Council.
The Society’s Townscape & Planning Group (T&PG) is responsible for drawing up a shortlist, and a Judging Panel comprising the Chairman, a member of the TPG, a representative from Sevenoaks District Council and a leading local architect judge the candidates and select the winner.
The first winning entry (2013) was announced at the AGM that year: the Vine Restaurant for its new extension. A commemorative plaque was presented to the property owner and the architect. A certificate of commendation was also awarded to the Malabar Coffee House for the courtyard cafe area. Other townscape improvements nominated by members were: The Drive Methodist Church’s new vestibule; Sevenoaks Station foyer extension; 51B High Street; and, Whytegates, Upper High Street.
Subsequent award winners - 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021, can be found in the Winter edition of the Society's magazine for each of those years - under "Publications".
Nominations will soon be invited for the 2023 award. These should be emailed directly to the Society at info@sevenoakssociety.co.uk by April 1st 2023. Should there be either no nominations or none which meet the criteria used by the selection panel then the award will be postponed until 2024. Click here to read the tributes to Frank, who died in 2012.
