A FORMER twilight area of a town has won an architectural "Oscar".

More than 500 homes were demolished in a phased slum clearance programme of the Rivers area of Middlesbrough.

Now a regeneration of the neighbourhood, which took five years to complete, has won a commendation in the 2001 Civic Trust Award Scheme.

Renamed St John's Gate, it has been judged as an excellent example of "mixed use redevelopment" of an inner area site.

The regeneration was in response to a demand for housing in the area with the result it now boasts 121 new homes, a park, and offices.

The redevelopment package was put together by developers Persimmon Homes and the Home Housing Association.

Councillor Oliver Johnson, Middlesbrough Borough Council's commissioner for the environment, is to present the architects of the scheme, P & HS Architects, with a Design Award.

He said: "St John's Gate is a fine example of partnership working.

"This area, which had suffered many years of decline, was redeveloped through the joint effort of many different agencies, both public and private, to create a popular, well designed area of the highest standard fully deserving this prestigious civic trust award."