The deadline is fast approaching for the South West’s best buildings to be entered for a prestigious RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Award.
The awards celebrate the best new projects in the built and natural environment. They cover four main categories: building conservation, regeneration, sustainability and community benefit, alongside a special ‘Project of the Year’ award. Entries must be submitted by January 23.
Projects can be any size but must demonstrate excellence in one of the four categories. The South West has a strong track record in these awards with previous winners ranging from developments such as Great Bow Wharf and Yard in Langport and Clerk Cottage, Spaxton in Somerset to Boscombe Library in Dorset. Higher profile winners have also included the Eden Project in Cornwall.
In the Building Conservation category, entrants are required to demonstrate particular attention to background research, the construction materials/techniques used and the project’s long-term prospects. Entrants in the Regeneration category must demonstrate improvements to the built or natural environment that make long-term contributions to the viability and prosperity of an area.
Under the Sustainability heading, the emphasis is on the efficient use of resources and provision of a sustainable environment which meets the needs of people now, as well as future generations. In the Community Benefit category judges are looking for outstanding achievements in providing community facilities.
RICS West operations director Matthew McKaig says: “Every year we see a tremendous variety of entries and we’re hoping the South West will once again be very well represented. Regional awards winners have the opportunity to go on to the national final in which they compete with projects from each of the nine RICS England regions, RICS Wales, RICS Scotland and RICS international heats.”
Entries can be submitted by anyone involved with the project whether as a surveyor, owner, architect, contractor or team member. Details of how to enter can be found by visiting the website.
