THE transformed landscape of a once-rundown part of Barrow-in-Furness has won a prestigious accolade.

Newly created gardens at Maritime Streets, home to several refurbished sandstone-built blocks of flats on Barrow Island, impressed judges at the Landscape Institute Awards 2018.

The scheme by Farrer Huxley Associates, of London, was among 163 entries and it scooped the prize for environmental improvement.

Judges heard the shipyard town had a rich industrial heritage but a decline in traditional industry had led to “a degraded landscape” around Maritime Streets.

Landscape artists Farrer Huxley won the brief to create “a landscape that would that kickstart economic and social growth”.

The revitalised grounds now include a central square, two gardens and criss-crossing paths harking back to fishing nets and ship masts, recalling Barrow’s maritime history.

The Landscape Institute Awards winners were announced at a ceremony at The Brewery, London, on November 22.

Adam White, president of the Landscape Institute, said: "From a quarry in Shanghai to a 21st century back garden in Elephant and Castle, landscape practitioners are leading the way in combatting climate change, creating places where people want to live and connecting people, place and nature.

"The Landscape Institute Awards celebrate the contribution made by the landscape profession to creating a better world and this year’s crop of award-winning projects sets a new standard in design, management and planning."