A LANDMARK Kinver building dating back nearly 500 years is back in business after scooping a design award.

The Armoury, High Street, was a winner in Staffordshire Council’s 2008 Conservation and Design Awards after a revamp by architects and owners Marsh Associates.

Marsh Associates, who use the building as their head office, bought the property in June 2007 and worked with Wall Heath based contractors Avey and Son on the 12-month renovation project.

Dave Marsh, principal of Marsh Associates, said: “We are overjoyed to receive this award. The Armoury is a beautiful building with a wealth of character and history.

“We worked closely with conservation specialists to make sure we maintained this.”

The grade II listed building dates back to 1520 and is thought to have got it's name during the civil war when it was used to store weapons.

Over a hundred years ago it became the Car and Horses pub before falling into disrepair.

The new, open-plan offices incorporate many period features including exposed brickwork, original oak beams and visible wattle and daub.

In awarding the premises a top prize in the Historic Building Conversion category for a commercial site, competition judges said the improvements retained the building’s historic fabric and character.

Marsh Associates, who employ 15 full-time staff and whose clients include The Home Office and BUPA, moved in to The Armoury in June 2008.

David Marsh said: “Kinver is a fantastic place to work, the locals are very friendly and have made us feel very welcome.

“It is a real honour to work in one of the village's most historic buildings.”