The shortlist for the prestigious 2017 RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Awards, Wales has been announced.
Some of Wales’ most innovative and community beneficial property projects have been shortlisted for the industry accolades and will compete for six categories as well as the overall Project of the Year.
The annual awards have become affectionately known as the Property Oscars, and schemes from all over Wales – including a former chapel, a prison, a university, housing schemes, and an ice arena – are in with a chance of gaining industry recognition, along with the teams behind them.
Spiros opening night at Cornerstone, Cardiff.
Photo Chas Breton.
The shortlist of 24 entries includes projects such as the new arts and innovation centre at Bangor University; The Royal Mint Visitors Centre in Llantrisant; the £25million Urban Village regeneration scheme in Swansea; the renovation of Pendref Chapel in Mold; Cardiff University’s Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC); and the landmark Ysgol Bae Baglan school in Port Talbot. (The full shortlist is below)
The RICS Wales Awards have six categories in total: Building Conservation, Commercial, Community Benefit, Design through Innovation, Regeneration, and Tourism & Leisure.
Exterior view of the Ice Arena Wales at night, designed by Scott Brownrigg, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
There is also a highly-esteemed Project of the Year title presented to the scheme which demonstrates overall outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment to adding value to its local area. Last year, the accolade was awarded to Cardigan Castle, an £11million scheme to return the castle to the local community as a viable business.
Category winners will go on to compete against other regional winners at the national RICS Awards Grand Final in November 2017, for the chance to be crowned the overall UK winner in their respective category.
Chair of the RICS Awards, Wales judging panel, Kevin Thomas, said:
“These awards showcase the top built environment projects in Wales, along with the talent and skills of the teams behind them. Every year I wonder how we’re going to top last year’s shortlist, but I’m never disappointed; many of this year’s nominees are truly unique and pioneering, and have transformed local communities. It just goes to show, our region is home to some of the most inspiring built projects.
“The judging process will no doubt prove extremely tough, but as part of the next phase of judging, the panel and I are looking forward to finding out more about the positive impact each of these shortlisted schemes is having on their local areas.”
The 2017 RICS Awards, Wales take place on 27th April. More info at: www.rics.org/awards.
