A BUILDING that was the subject of controversy when it opened has won another award.

The Salvation Army building, in Baddow Road, Chelmsford, has been given a regional award by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

It is one of seven buildings in the east of England to receive the accolade and the only one in Essex.

The striking building, constructed entirely of timber and cloaked in an undulating zinc roof, provoked different reactions when it was unveiled as a replacement to the former Salvation Army Citadel.

But centre co-ordinator Enid Watson said in the year it has been open, she thinks people have now come to appreciate it.

She said: “When they come inside, they see what it has to offer. It has been described as a Tardis.

“More and more people have been coming through the doors to use the facilities we have, which include an outside play area for children.

“This is our fourth award and we are delighted.”

The £2million building provides 900 sq m of new accommodation.

An Institute spokesman said: “The project illustrates our commitment to pioneering modern methods of construction, to maximize the potential of sustainable materials.

“The building is constructed using a cross-laminated timber panel system, which is akin to jumbo plywood and offers all the advantages of reinforced concrete construction without the environmental cost.”

The winning architects are Hudson Architects from Norwich.