Exmouth Market is celebrating being named the 2011 Great Street in the Urbanism Awards.

The award recognises the best and most improved city environments in Britain and Ireland.

The Clerkenwell street has been a marketplace since Victorian days.

John Thompson, chairman of The Academy of Urbanism, said: “Exmouth Market has successfully transformed itself in recent years into a vibrant thoroughfare, with an exciting array of fashion boutiques, restaurants and caf�s.

“In doing so, it has cast off outdated preconceptions and become an integral part of the wider regeneration of Clerkenwell.”

Architect and TV broadcaster Maxwell Hutchinson, who works in Exmouth Market and is Church Warden Emeritus of The Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer in the street, said: “Quite simply, Exmouth Market is a marvellous place to work, live in or visit.

“A lot of people have worked very hard to make the street what it is today, and this award shows just how far Exmouth Market has come.”

Councillor Paul Convery, Islington Council executive member for leisure and regeneration, said: “This is excellent news for Exmouth Market.

“The change has been astounding and is a great tribute to both an initial brave investment decision by the council and continued long-term commitment over several administrations.”

The runners-up were St Patrick Street, in Cork, and Union Street in Aberdeen.