Here come the judges

May 14 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal

TODAY we introduce the judging panel for The Journal’s sought-after Landmark Awards. The awards, presented in association with Watson Burton law firm, have been recognising the North East’s best property developments for five years.

Last year saw the top award for Landmark of the Year go to the City Campus East scheme brought forward by Northumbria University.

The building excellence awards, which are also supported by Allied Irish Bank (GB), were introduced in 2004 to highlight talent in the region’s property industry and reward those developments which highlight the best in concept, design and construction. The judging panel, made up of some of the most experienced property professionals in the North East, will be looking for entries which have enhanced the region.

The judges are Richard Freeman-Wallace of Watson Burton, Chris Dixon of Allied Irish Bank (GB), Jeff Alexander of Surgo Construction, John Burns of Mackellar Architecture, Rita Callender of the Environment Practice, Simon Murray of the Construction Industry Training Board, and Phil Young of Esh Group. For each of the six categories, the well-known panel will select one winner, with the architect, developer and contractor for the winning project each receiving an award.

The categories are: Retail/Leisure, Office Development, Environmental, Public Sector, Residential Development and – returning for a second year – The Judges’ Gem, which will recognise smaller developments. There will also be an overall North East Landmark of the Year Award, which the judging panel will select from one of the six winners. Mr Freeman-Wallace, head of commercial property at Watson Burton LLP and a key member of the judging panel, said: “We’re delighted the Landmark Awards has launched its fifth year of awards.

“The awards reward the people who make a long-term difference to the places in which we live and work and Watson Burton is proud to be associated with them.” Mr Dixon, head of property at Allied Irish Bank (GB) in Newcastle, said: “The Landmark Awards provide a showcase for the range of building projects taking place in the region, rewarding the talent and expertise that have shaped our built environment. Allied Irish Bank (GB) works with many of these individuals and firms and our support for the Landmark Awards represents not only the investment we make in the commercial property industry but the region as a whole.”

Entry is open to developments within The Journal’s and Evening Gazette’s circulation areas which have been completed – or will be completed – between August 13, 2007, and August 13, 2008.

For an entry form or to book a table at the dinner, which is sponsored by One NorthEast, go to www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-events/building-industry-awards

Alternatively, forms can also be obtained from Kirsty Tarn, Regional Events, The Journal, Groat Market, Newcastle, NE1 1ED, tel: (0191) 201-6072. Alternatively, email kirsty.tarn@ncjmedia.co.uk with your full contact name and address details, indicating the number of forms you require. The closing date is Friday, August 22.