Brighton projects go head-to-head in regional awards

The British Airways i360 and The Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) are finalists at the south east’s annual Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) awards.

They are two of 56 schemes from the south east to be in with a chance of gaining industry recognition.

The British Airways i360 is shortlisted in the tourism and leisure and community benefit categories. The seafront attraction opened in August last year, and visitors can enjoy views of Brighton and Hove from 138 metres high on the structure’s glass pod.

The Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) at the University of Sussex is listed in the building conservation category.

Having opened in 1969 the centre was part of the original University of Sussex campus designed by Basil Spence. It played host to national and international stars of the stage and art world before being closed in 2007. The following year it was named one of the UK’s most endangered theatre buildings. But the building was regenerated and re-named the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) in commemoration of the University’s former Chancellor, the late actor, director and producer Sir Richard Attenborough.

The RICS South East Awards have seven categories in total: building conservation, commercial, community benefit, design through innovation, regeneration, residential and tourism and leisure.

There is also the project of the year title, presented to the scheme which demonstrates l outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment to adding value to its local area.

All category winners will go on to compete against other regional winners at the national RICS Awards Grand Final in October 2017, for the chance to be crowned the overall UK winner in their respective category.

Terry Adsett, chair of the RICS South East judging panel and a building surveyor at Savills, said: “These awards showcase our region’s top built environment projects, 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 south east 2017 RICS Awards take place on May 17 at the Hilton in Southampton.