The annual awards celebrate the 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 dozens of entries from all over Northern Ireland, including small scale pioneering schemes, and large multi-million pound developments.
Last year, the £32million Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, situated in the grounds of Belfast City Hospital, was named Project of the Year. The 9,000 square metre building provides accommodation for some 330 members of staff specialising in research into finding cures for eye diseases and diabetes, and the development of a global programme to aid understanding of the genetics of complex chronic diseases.
Launching this year’s awards, Chair of the RICS Awards, Northern Ireland judging panel, Michael Hannaway, said, “The RICS Awards are a unique opportunity for professionals in the property and construction sectors to have their work highlighted on a local, UK, and international platform, and to showcase their talent and innovation.”
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
- Tourism & Leisure
An overall ‘Project of the Year’ is also awarded to the entry that demonstrates outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment to adding value to its local area.
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.
Michael added, “A wide range of local schemes have made a positive impact in communities and in business, have broadened our tourism offering, enhanced our infrastructure, revived residential areas, and have restored some of our most-loved buildings.
“I would strongly encourage the professionals behind them to take the opportunity to have their excellent work recognised.”
The 2017 RICS Awards, Northern Ireland will be presented at The La Mon Hotel & Spa, Belfast on 25th May, 2017.
Entries can now be made to the 2017 RICS Awards, Northern Ireland at www.rics.org/awards and the deadline for entries is 16 January. For further information, contact Susan Mason at RICS e-mail smason@rics.org or 028 9032 2877.
