25 January 2010

Four Shortlisted For Civic Trust Awards

St Malachy's Church in Belfast has been shortlisted to receive an Award or Commendation at the annual Civic Trust Awards, which take place on 12th March in Liverpool.

The awards are given to projects that are "culturally, socially or economically beneficial", and make an "outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment".

Winners of Civic Trust Awards receive a certificate and a plaque for permanent display on the award-winning site.

In addition to those projects shortlisted for an Award or Commendation, three projects from Northern Ireland have also received special recognition from the Civic Trust Awards National Panel for their strong community initiative and for the positive impact on the people they serve.

These are: Chinese Community & Resource Centre, Belfast, Gracehill Old School, Ballymena, Co. Antrim and Holywood Old School, Belfast.

All the entries are judged by a local team, which includes an architect, inclusive design assessor, local authority co-ordinator and local advisor. Their recommendations are passed to a National Panel, which comprises built environment professionals, who confirm the level of Award.

The Northern Ireland Planning Service is responsible for co-ordinating the Northern Ireland Awards. The team of judges assessed 23 entries against the criteria set by the Civic Trust.

(NS/GK)