A conservation project at Plymouth's historic Royal William Yard has been recognised with a national building award.

The 19th century Brewhouse building has been highly commended in the restoration category of this year's Natural Stone Awards.

Some �6.75m has been invested in improving the exterior of the Yard's Brewhouse and Clarence buildings to prepare the site for development.

The architects and English Heritage used the original drawings of Sir John Rennie, the Yard's designer, as templates.

Excellence recognised

Several tonnes of high quality Devon limestone were brought to the site to complete the restoration work.

Property developer Urban Splash submitted applications for planning permission and listed building consent for the Brewhouse and Clarence buildings at the end of October.

The Manchester-based company wants to spend an estimated �30m transforming the buildings.

There are plans to create 130, one and two bedroom apartments, a waterfront restaurant, shops, a wine bar and an arts and exhibition centre.

The 18-acre site is owned by the South West Regional Development Agency.

The Natural Stone Awards recognise excellence in the design and use of natural stone.