Three of Derbyshire’s finest construction projects have been announced as finalists in the RICS East Midlands Awards 2008.

Now in their 18th year, the RICS Awards celebrate and recognise exemplary projects across four award categories - building conservation (sponsored by Nottingham Trent University), regeneration (sponsored by East Midlands Development Agency), sustainability and community benefit (sponsored by Electical Contractors Association).

This year’s nominees include:

• The Heart of the National Forest Youth Hostel, which has been entered in the sustainability category.

Funded by the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA), together with Leicestershire Economic Partnership, the new youth hostel and camping and caravanning site at Moira, in the heart of the National Forest, has been built to the highest quality. With a striking design, the building incorporates renewable energy (woodfuel) and timber.

It is estimated that the new hostel, which is run by the YHA (the Youth Hostels Association), will attract 12,000 overnight stays a year, primarily from schools, youth organisations and families visiting the Forest.

• Westfield Derby shopping centre, which has secured two nominations in the regeneration and building conservation categories.

The £340 million Westfield and Hermes Derby shopping centre opened on October 7 last year and was the largest retail-led development to open in Britain in 2007. The centre consists of one million sq ft of retail, food and lifestyle space.

In addition to large brands such as Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, and a remodeled Sainsbury’s, the development includes 16 million service units, a 12-outlet food court, a 12-screen Cinema de Lux and parking for 3,700 cars. The centre is the biggest in the East Midlands and employs 2,850 people, most of who live locally.

• Mickleover Library, nominated in the community benefit category.

Situated on Station Road, the Mickleover Library has been at the heart of the village since the Second World War. The new scheme, which is funded by Derby City Council, will see the introduction of a new facility that serves the local community with all the existing library services, together with computers, internet access and a community meeting room for local groups.

David Potter, RICS East Midlands operations director, said: “As always, competition for the awards has been at a very high standard so The Heart of the National Forest Youth Hostel, Westfield Derby shopping centre and Mickleover Library have done extremely well to be amongst the finalists.

"Over the last year, Derbyshire has witnessed a significant increase in investment in new facilities, housing, infrastructure and regeneration projects and these nominations are testament to that growth. 

“We wish all the nominees the very best of luck for the next stage of the competition, which will be the regional awards ceremony at the East Midlands Conference Centre, in Nottingham, on May 9.”

The 2008 RICS East Midlands regional dinner and awards ceremony will be hosted by BBC presenter, Janine Machin. Joining her on the night will be special guest speaker, Ron Atkinson, one of football’s larger than life personalities, whose 24 years managerial experience has made him a greatly respected voice in the game and a fantastic after dinner speaker.

In addition to the individual category sponsors, Hays is kindly providing sponsorship for the overall event.