THE Bude Canal Regener­ation Project is said to be a 'strong contender' in this year's RICS Awards (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).

The organisers of the awards have received seven submissions for projects in Cornwall, including the Bude Canal Regeneration Project.

Others include the tree house at the old vicarage, Penmarch; The Pavilion Centre at the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge; Bosvigo Children's Centre at Chapel Hill; Trelander and St Clements Community Hall; conversion of the former engine house at St Agnes; and Falmouth School Design and Technology Block.

Entries are in the regeneration, community benefit, building conservation and sustainability categories.

The awards celebrate the best new projects in the built and natural environment. They cover four main categories: building conservation, regeneration, sustainability and community benefit, alongside a special 'Project of the Year' award.

Projects can be any size but must demonstrate excellence in one of the four main categories.

In the building conservation category, entrants are required to demonstrate particular attention to background research, the construction materials/techni­ques used and the project's long-term prospects.

Entrants in the regeneration category must demonstrate improvements to the built or natural environment that make long-term contributions to the viability and prosperity of an area.

Under the sustainability heading, the emphasis is on the efficient use of resources and provision of a sustainable environment which meets the needs of people now, as well as future generations.

In the community benefit category judges are looking for outstanding achievements in providing community facilities.

Details of shortlisted entries for the South West round of the awards are set to be released in April, with the winners announced on May 20. Regional winners then go through to the national final.

The RICS South West Awards are kindly sponsored by the Homes and Communities Agency and South West Business Insider.

See next week's 'Post' for pictures and report of tomorrow's (Friday) Royal visit to Bude Canal.