A RECORD 35 of the north’s most innovative property projects have been short-listed in this year's in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards, which recognise exemplary projects that contribute positively to the region and its economy.
Twelve projects are short-listed in two of the eight categories, including the new Titanic Hotel Belfast which is in the running for both building conservation and tourism & leisure awards, which will be presented at the La Mon Hotel on May 24.
Other Belfast projects in the running for two awards include housing development One Sussex Place in Belfast and The Weaving Works, which has seen the redevelopment and regeneration of Armagh House, a neglected 19th century former linen warehouse on Ormeau Avenue.
Category winners go on to compete against other regional winners at the national RICS Awards grand final in November, where they can scoop the highly esteemed UK Project of the Year title.
Michael Hannaway, chair of the RICS Awards regional judging panel, said: “Despite the uncertainty in the current climate, Northern Ireland’s property professionals continue to deliver exemplary, and in many cases, world-class built projects that are having a profoundly positive impact on our cities and towns.
“I'm delighted to see so many of these remarkable built-initiatives on this year’s short-list. The exceptional talent and skills of the teams and surveyors behind these schemes is nothing short of remarkable.” The full short-list is:
:: Building Conservation - Ballycopeland Windmill; Deerpark Cottage, Bellaghy; One Sussex Place, Belfast; The Pump House, Portadown; The Tropical Ravine; Titanic Hotel Belfast; Union Theological College.
:: Commercial - Bunzl Ireland; City Quays 2; Colby House, Belfast; Fallahogey Studio, Kilrea; LacPatrick Dairy Technology Centre, Artigarvan; New Laser Testing Facility; The Weaving Works; Ulster Carpets Dye House.
:: Community Benefit - Connswater Community Greenway; Foyle College, Ebrington Primary School & Nursery; John Paul II Primary School, Belfast; Killean Primary School, Newry; Portaferry Market House; St Mary's Primary School, Banbridge; St. Bronagh's Primary School, Rostrevor; Tannaghmore Primary School, Lurgan.
:: Design through Innovation - Better Gym, Belfast; Fallahogey Studio, Kilrea; Omagh Hospital & Primary Care Complex.
:: Infrastructure - Connswater Community Greenway; Enniskillen Ambulance Station; Omagh Hospital & Primary Care Complex.
:: Regeneration - Foyle College, Ebrington Primary School & Nursery; Newry Leisure Centre; One Sussex Place, Belfast; Rosemount Mews, Greyabbey; St. Bronagh's Primary School, Rostrevor; The Pump House, Portadown; The Weaving Works.
:: Residential - Beltoy House, Carrickfergus; Catherine Place, Bangor; Deerpark Cottage, Bellaghy; Rathgill, Bangor; Rosemount Mews, Greyabbey; Sloan Street, Lisburn.
:: Tourism & Leisure - Belfast City Hall Exhibition; Newry Leisure Centre; Rainey Endowed Sports Complex; Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh; Titanic Hotel Belfast.
