The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has clinched one of the UK’s most prestigious planning prizes for the St Davids Gateway and Oriel y Parc Gallery scheme.

The authority, which runs the gallery, visitor and education centre in partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, picked up the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) 2009 UK award for rural areas and the natural environment.

Chief executive, Nic Wheeler, accepted the award during a ceremony at the London Hilton on Thursday.

Director of planning and conservation, Ifor Jones, explained: “Oriel y Parc not only represents the physical gateway to the city and the St Davids peninsula; it is also a virtual gateway to the understanding and enjoyment of the national park landscape.

“After a visit to Oriel y Parc, visitors are inspired to leave their cars in our car park and hop onto a coastal bus to access the peninsula or the rest of the park.

“Increasingly, Oriel y Parc is also a gateway for understanding and responding to the wider challenges of climate change.”

The project has a top building industry rating for its sustainable design and the way it is managed.

Kay Powell, chair of the judging panel for the awards said: “The judges were incredibly impressed by the level of collaborative working and the high quality of planning, design, construction and management that has been achieved.

“This has resulted in a development that makes a significant contribution to sustainable development and environmental awareness.”

Mr Wheeler added: “To have won a top UK national award in the planning sector against some extremely tough competition is a fantastic achievement and a credit to all those involved at Oriel y Parc.”