Search is on for public sector buildings that leave their mark

Jun 18 2008 by Iain Laing, The Journal

THE JUDGES for The Journal’s fifth Landmark Awards are looking for entries for the public sector category.

The awards, which are organised in partnership with Newcastle law firm Watson Burton LLP, will single out the cream of the region’s building industry.

The building excellence awards, also supported by Allied Irish Bank (GB), were introduced to highlight regional building excellence and reward developments which highlight the best in concept, design and construction.

This week, the judging panel is urging developers of public sector buildings which demonstrate ways they have added value to their local communities to step forward and join last year’s winner, Northumbria University’s spectacular City Campus East. The building, of which the architect was Atkins, the contractor Sir Robert McAlpine and building services engineer Faber Maunsell, went on to take the Landmark of the Year prize and has won plaudits from the industry and beyond in the year that followed.

Chris Dixon, head of property at Allied Irish Bank, said: “The award for the public sector should be keenly contested. We have seen some stunning and iconic buildings in this sector in the last few years for a variety of uses.

“Buildings like last year’s overall Landmark winner, City Campus East at Northumbria University, really set the benchmark and is sure to be a hard act to follow. Entries need to reflect not only the architectural and design elements of the building, but also their practical day-to-day use.”

Entries are open to projects of any size, which may include new buildings or extensions to existing facilities, and buildings such as education centres, libraries, museums, hospitals, leisure clubs, parks and public transport facilities.

In each category, the judging panel, will select one winner, with awards for the architect, developer and contractor.

There are also awards for retail and leisure facilities, office, environment, residential and developments of less than £2.5m. And there will be an overall North East Landmark of the Year Award.

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.

Entry is open to developments in The Journal and Middlesbrough Evening Gazette circulation areas completed between August 16, 2007, and August 16, 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

Forms can also be obtained from Kirsty Tarn, Regional Events, The Journal, Groat Market, Newcastle NE1 1ED, tel: (0191) 201-6072. Or 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.