But this diverse trio of buildings – Holy Trinity Primary School, 116 Allangate, Rochdale Road, and 43 Crown Street, all Halifax – have one thing in common: they are the winners of the Halifax Civic Trust Awards 2008.

Tonight at a special ceremony in Halifax Town Hall, they will be honoured for compelling design, high-quality material and innovative workmanship after beating more than a dozen other entries.

The award holds special significance for plasterer Garry Richardson, owner of 43 Crown Street.

It began life as a shop in 1881 and is now a home to a ground-floor take-away. Mr Richardson bought the three-storey Grade II-listed building in 2004 to work on as a labour of love.

He restored the front facade, strengthened original wooden beams, and opened up the 19th-century fireplace and range. He even learned stone carving to work on other features.

"It feels brilliant to have been recognised. It's been a lot of hard work but it's been so enjoyable," he said.

"It's a magnificent building and the chance to restore it to its former glory was too good an opportunity to pass up."

The finished block will now be rented out as a town-centre apartment and office.

Roger Bateman, headmaster at Holy Trinity, was equally delighted. He worked closely with architect Robin Dixon, a former pupil, to design a building that would inspire its children after the former infants school in Swires Road, Halifax, was gutted following an arson attack.

"It's stylish, futuristic, it has a 'wow' factor," he said. "The children love it, they are genuinely proud of it and it inspires them to look after it and to learn."

The Civic Trust was particularly impressed by the building's gentle curve, which created light spacious classrooms. They felt a stained-glass window was stunning.

And the judges were also highly impressed by 116 Allangate, a section of a former mansion built in 1810.

The building has been transformed into a family home, while original features including a living-room fireplace, bay windows and even curtain rails have been maintained.

The work was undertaken by Stott Thompson Architects under the watchful eye of owner Lee Smith.

He said: "It's been a challenge but we're certainly happy with the results."

The Civic Trust said it had been one of the better years for its awards.

"The variety in the top three just goes to show we should be proud of Halifax as a place of special buildings – whether they be old gems which are restored or new innovative creations which look to the future," said secretary June Paxton-Smith.

WHAT THE CIVIC TRUST SAID
Holy Trinity: An impressive modern building on a human scale. When experienced from the inside we felt it to be a haven."

116 Allangate: "All work on the building has been carried out using the highest-quality materials and craftsmanship."

43 Crown Street: "One of the finest facades in the town centre with a harmonious balance from end to end."