NI construction projects compete for top award

The RICS Social Impact Awards, which are given to schemes which are transforming communities and the everyday lives of people, span nine award categories and have been nominated from across Northern Ireland.

The state-of-the art Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service support centre was shortlisted for helping fire fighters do their job through the testing and maintenance of new emergency response equipment. In addition, long-term unemployed people were hired to help with construction, thus giving them new skills and experience for future job opportunities.

Also shortlisted is Lisburn city centre public realm improvements. Part of a £5m transformation of the city centre, the regenerated Market Square has attracted more shoppers back to using high street shops and helped reduce homelessness by 10%, as well as driving down antisocial behaviour.

Portrush train station, which saw the delivery of a brand-new train station to support the 148th golf Open at Royal Portrush, is also among the nominees.

Developers involved local schools as part of an education programme, held a beach clean-up day and donated materials and tools to residents who wanted to improve the town with new planters.

Susan Mason, head of RICS in Northern Ireland, said: “The judges will have their work cut out deciding on who gets the top award with so many top projects involved.

“I’m also delighted to be supporting The Prince’s Trust in getting young people into construction. Our shortlists showcase projects which have been turning people’s lives around, whether that’s through apprenticeships for young people, rehabilitating ex-offenders or regenerating towns and cities to make them more inclusive, and we hope that promoting these will encourage more talent into a profession that can really make a difference.”

David Brooks Wilson, chair of the award judging panel, added: “This year’s shortlist shows the power of built environment professionals to make a positive impact on society and our communities.’’

The categories include: Commercial, Student Accommodation, Heritage, Education, Healthcare, Residential, Infrastructure, and Leisure. An overall winner will also be announced. The winners will be announced at the RICS Northern Ireland ceremony on May 21.

A UK grand final will be held in September.