Entries have now closed for the 9th Michelmores/Western Morning News Annual Commercial Property Awards and organisers are predicting a tough time for the judges due to the quality of the submissions.

Andrew Maynard, Director of Client Services at award-winning law firm Michelmores, said: "We had anticipated a slow down in the number of entries because the impact of the recession either cancelled or postponed many projects and developments.

"However, we have still received a superb number of entries of the highest quality ranging from multi-million pound regeneration schemes and luxury hotel developments, to affordable housing in a converted pub and eco-built school classrooms.

"Our distinguished judges face a very difficult day on 11 March when they will take all day to come up with the seven category winners."

This year's judging panel has a new face in Mike Leece, Chairman of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, and former Chairman of the National Marine Aquarium and CEO of Plymouth Dockyard management company, DML.

He joins former Chairman of the CBI, Sir John Banham; distinguished architect Peter Lacey; Bob Dow, managing director of Dartington Associates; and Judith Mullarkey, commercial property editor of the Western Morning News.

Submissions, which must relate to projects and buildings that were completed or reached a significant milestone in 2009, are judged in seven categories:  Project of the Year with a value over £3m; Project of the Year with a value of under £3m: Building of the Year; Heritage Project of the Year; Eco-building of the Year; Project Manager of the Year and The John Laurence Award for Professional Firm of the Year.

The shortlisted submissions will be announced on Thursday 18 March with the winners revealed at a Gala Dinner at Sandy Park, Exeter on Tuesday 11 May.

( Last Updated: 18-03-2010 )

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