THE region’s best property projects of 2008 will be commended through the North-East Renaissance Awards.

Despite a challenging 12 months for the construction and property sector, the awards will showcase the achievements of people and companies working across the region’s natural and built environments.

The awards, run by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), are now taking entries.

Michael Henning, regional RICS board chairman, urged companies to enter.

“The 2009 Renaissance Awards provide a welcome opportunity to celebrate the great work that is continuing in our region despite the turbulent market conditions,” he said.

Last year’s winner of the project of the year award was the new £47m City Campus East development at Northumbria University.

It also won the award for sustainability.

Mr Henning said: “We consider projects of all shapes and sizes, and the judges will be looking for excellence in design and execution.

“Two topics taken into consideration are value for money and sustainability – both of which are increasingly important given the current economic climate.”

The deadline for entries is January 23 with the awards ceremony being held in April.

For an entry form, contact Sue Doberman, at RICS, on 0191-221-0359 or email sdoberman@rics.org