SIX property experts have taken on one of the toughest tasks in the region by joining the judging panel for the 2011 RICS Pro-Yorkshire Awards.
The annual awards organised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors recognise Yorkshire and Humbers most innovative and inspirational initiatives and developments in land, property, construction and the environment.
The new judges complete a 17-strong panel of independent experts who are visiting the 56 shortlisted projects before the winners in eight categories are announced at a black tie dinner on Friday, May 20, in Leeds.
The new judges are Chris Gomersall, of Leeds City Council; Mike Connolly of Turner & Townsend; Andy Dransfield, of Faithful + Gould; Martin Conlon, of Assent Building Control; Karl Redmond, of Construction Network Sector; and Rob Hindle, of White Hindle and Partners Ltd.
Colin Harrop, chairman of the regional board of RICS and the Pro-Yorkshire Awards judging panel, said: The judging process is incredibly difficult as we must thoroughly consider each of the projects individually against a strict set of criteria. This includes all aspects of the building from the planning, design and construction right through to its environmental and sustainable credentials.
Each of the judges new to the panel this year brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the property field and with judging now underway, we are all looking forward to revealing the highly anticipated winners.
The awards known as the regions property Oscars received an impressive 69 entries this year with 56 making it to the shortlist. Nominations range from small-scale schemes built by the vision and persistence of one person to multi-million pound developments.
The eight award categories cover Building Conservation, Commercial, Community Benefit, Design and Innovation, Regeneration, Residential, Sustainability and Tourism and Leisure. The entry that scores the highest across each category will also be named Project of the Year.
