THE deadline for entering this year’s Royal Insitute of Chartered Surveyors’ North-East Renaissance awards is approaching.

Entries for the annual awards, which celebrate developments in the land, property, construction and environment sectors, close on Friday, January 18.

There are eight categories – building conservation; regeneration; infrastructure; community benefit; commercial; design and innovation; residential; and tourism and leisure. There is also a project of the year accolade, which is awarded to the scheme judged to have scored the highest across all areas.

Last year, the top award went to The Toffee Factory, in Newcastle, for its comprehensive refurbishment, which has brought new life and purpose to a derelict warehouse, enabling it to become an exciting hub for the city’s digital and creative businesses.

Other winners last year included Northwood Primary School, Darlington, and Birtley Young People’s Club, Gateshead – both of which gained national recognition after winning their respective categories at the 2012 RICS Awards Grand Final, held in October at The Savoy, London.

For more information, or to download an entry form visit www.rics.org/Awards, or contact Claire Simmons, RICS Awards coordinator, on csimmons@rics.org.