Search to find SW’s top built schemes begins
A four month search to find the South West’s most inspirational built projects is now on, following the opening of entries for the 2017 RICS Awards, South West.
Affectionately known as the region’s property ‘Oscars’, the annual awards celebrate the region’s top initiatives and developments - in land, property, construction and the environment - that provide significant value to the communities they serve. Every year the awards attract hundreds of entries from all over the South West, including small scale pioneering schemes, and large multi-million pound developments.
Chair of the RICS Awards, South West judging panel, Mark Robinson FRICS, Partner at Robinson Layer Chartered Surveyors said: “Each year, we recognise exceptional projects that have achieved impactful results across the region celebrating professional standards. This year’s awards was one of our best in terms of the volume of entries, demonstrating the fantastic results being delivered to employers and clients – the bar is high and it’s a real journey for those who make the grade. I would also like to credit property schemes that have recently been completed or set for completion in our region, we hope our 2017 RICS Awards in the South West will attract an even greater number of quality nominations.”
There are eight categories to enter in which local property professionals must demonstrate how they have used their skills to develop, regenerate and conserve the environment in which we live and work. These are: Building Conservation, Commercial property, Community Benefit, Design through Innovation, Infrastructure, Regeneration, Residential, and Tourism & Leisure.
There is also an overall ‘Project of the Year title’ which is awarded to the entry that demonstrates outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment to adding value to its local area. This year, the title went to Cheltenham Racecourse – which also won the Tourism & Leisure accolades. The judges felt this was an exceptional and truly collaborative project, between the Jockey Club, Kier and the architects, producing a fantastic addition to this iconic sporting venue.
All category winners go on to compete against other regional winners at the national RICS Awards Grand Final, for the chance to be crowned the overall UK winner in their respective category.
The following winners from the 2016 RICS Awards, South West will compete in this year’s RICS Awards Grand Final on 14 October at The London Hilton: Belmont, Lyme Regis, Dorset (Building Conservation), 2 Glass Wharf, Bristol (Commercial property),
Genesis Building, Plymouth, Devon (Community Benefit) Black Rock Quarry, Portishead, Somerset (Design through Innovation), Pendennis Masterplan Redevelopment, Falmouth, Cornwall (Infrastructure), Twerton Mill Student Accommodation, Bath, Somerset (Regeneration), Springfield Farm, Somerset (Residential), Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham (Tourism & Leisure).
Mark adds: “These awards shine a light on your achievements and demonstrate the value of local property professionals working in the land, property and construction sectors within modern business and beyond. The exemplary talent has raised the profile of our region which is home to some of the most innovative buildings in the UK. I wish this year’s winners of the RICS Awards, South West the best of luck in gaining national recognition at the 2016 RICS Awards Grand Final in London.”
Entry forms are now available for the 2017 RICS Awards, South West at www.rics.org/awards and the deadline for entries is 16 January. For further information, contact Abi Palmer-Greenwood at RICS e: apalmer-greenwood@rics.org or t: + 44 (0)7792 839 489.
The 2017 RICS Awards, South West will be presented at a glittering black-tie ceremony on 11th May at Bristol Marriot City Centre Hotel.
