Our newest buildings are riding two waves of change - local and global.The ProCon Leicestershire Property and Construction Awards recognise that with two of its six categories - Regeneration Project of the Year and Sustainable Development of the Year.

Regeneration is changing our city and our towns, with buildings at the sharp end of breathing life into the economy and communities.

In addition, worldwide concerns about our use of energy and natural resources mean creating buildings with green credentials is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Any building, scheme, landmark or other construction which is designed to boost regeneration can be entered for the category sponsored by Howes Percival.

For the Sustainable Development of the Year, sponsored by Frank Haslam Milan, ProCon is looking for schemes which meet criteria including an efficient use of natural resources and are zero or low-carbon.

Each project must have achieved practical completion in the 18 months up to the end of this month.

Last year, the regeneration award was won by Leicester city centre housing development Fabric, which saw a former textile factory transformed.

The Sustainable Development of the Year winner was Bushloe High School, in Wigston.

This year, the ProCon property and construction network has broadened its boundaries to include Rutland.

For the first time, the awards are open to projects in both counties.

The other categories in the ProCon Awards 2008 are: Building of the Year, Large Scheme of the Year, Small Scheme of the Year and the Leicester Mercury People's Choice Award.

The People's Choice is open to anyone who suggests novel ideas for Welford Place when the city council leaves its New Walk Centre offices.

ProCon chairwoman Pam Allardice, from HBJ Gateley Wareing, in Leicester, said: "Regeneration and sustainability are hot topics and there are some great new buildings addressing both those issues.

"We look forward to showcasing the best of them."

The deadline for this year's ProCon Leicestershire Awards, sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland and Vantis, is Wednesday, August 6.

The winners will be announced at the ProCon Awards Dinner on November 6.

Details of how to enter, call 0870 170 9697, or visit:

www.procon-leicestershire.co.uk

Source: Leicester Mercury

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