Brindleyplace, which celebrates its tenth birthday this week, has become the first business and leisure estate to achieve the UK Police national design award for its security standards.

Secured by Design is the police initiative supporting the principles of ' designing out crime' by use of effective crime prevention and security measures.

The award is usually given to buildings, or complexes, but has never before been given to an entire business and leisure estate of the size of Brindleyplace (above).

West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Anil Patani presented the award to Ian Clarke, assets director of Argent Estates, who created and manage Brindleyplace, at the development's management suite.

Asst Chief Con Patani said: "This achievement sets the benchmark for other conurbation areas nationally, and has been followed closely by the Home Office.

"Brindleyplace epitomises the way in which police, business, and local authorities can create an environment where people can be safe, feel safe, and therefore feel good about being in Birmingham."

He said the co-operation between so many agencies and the building managers and designers created a "virtuous circle" for urban regeneration.

The scheme supports one of the Government's key planning objectives - the creation of secure, quality places where people wish to live and work.

Brindleyplace also includes the City Inn, Crescent Theatre, Oozells Square, and the Sea Life Centre.