West Midlands schemes in the running for ‘Project of the Year’ title

THE region’s most impressive new buildings and property schemes are set to battle it out for the ‘Project of the Year’ title after making it on to the shortlist of the 2013 RICS West Midlands Awards.

RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) has shortlisted 34 entries from all areas of the region, all of which are now in with a chance of winning one of eight awards.

The categories are regeneration, community benefit, building conservation, design & innovation, infrastructure, tourism & leisure and residential. An eighth award – the title of Project of the Year – is given to the entry judged to have scored the highest across all seven categories. In 2012, this went to The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, which also won the design & innovation award.

RICS North & Midlands director Jennifer Welch said: “We were a little concerned entries may be down this year as the challenging economic conditions have stalled many projects across the region, so we were pleasantly surprised to receive an increase in the number of nominations.

“Many of the projects that have made the shortlist are also of an exceptional and exemplary standard so I expect the panel will find the judging process extremely tough.”

The second round of the judging process is currently taking place and the winners will be announced at a ceremony held on May 1 at The National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. 

Eastside City Park in Birmingham is up for both the infrastructure and regeneration awards.