Finalists announced for Scottish Property Awards 2016

Developments large and small from across the nation were considered in wide ranging locations such as Shetland, Skye and the Borders; however the commercial centres of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh formed the bulk of the applications.

A 19-strong judging panel has reviewed 40 new developments in Scotland which are currently undergoing construction, and have now revealed the projects which will progress to the finals of the national competition.

Winners will be announced at a charity-focussed awards celebration to be hosted in Glasgow on 3 March 2016.

Fiona Morton, chair of the judging panel and managing director of Millar & Bryce, said: “The judging process highlighted the many positive developments in creating successful regenerative and commercial development. Industry experts have now carried out detailed research and contributed to a lively debate which was rigorous and fair.

“Decisions were made following a detailed marking exercise together with the input of the panel’s substantial expertise. The finalists can be very proud to have progressed to this stage of a competition which continues to show popularity from projects across Scotland.”

High profile urban contenders include BAM Properties’ 110 Queen Street in Glasgow, The Capitol building in Aberdeen by Knight Property Group and New Waverley in Edinburgh which is being delivered by Artisan Real Estate. New town centre regeneration projects were also considered with projects in Galashiels, Helensburgh and Lennoxtown making the finals.

The judging panel has identified finalists in 12 categories with 4 categories to be decided at a future date. Awards for Property Company of the Year, Deal of the Year, Property Funding Team of the Year and Individual Contribution will be considered by the panel in January.

Two additional changes to the programme were agreed by the panel. A new award for City Housing Regeneration Project was created following a huge response to City Regeneration Project of the Year. In the area of master planning, the judges decided not to present an award this year and instead will consider new major projects in 2016.

The Scottish Property Awards is supported by the Scottish Property Federation (SPF), the trade association for the Scottish property industry.

Reflecting on the awards, Chris Stewart, chair of the SPF and a member of the judging panel said: “The commercial property industry in Scotland contributes £6bn to Scotland’s overall output and has a significant role to play in the economy. The Scottish Property Awards is essential as it highlights the many commercially successful developments being delivered.

“It’s vital that we continue to encourage investment in Scotland and generate positive engagement from government, councils and the public. The awards have attracted a strong line up this year and the finalists can be assured that their entries were considered thoroughly and fairly by a highly regarded group of experts. We look forward to celebrating the industry’s achievements in March.”

The awards dinner takes place in Glasgow on 3 March 2016.

Last year’s event welcomed 525 people and the ultimate award of the night was presented to Drum Property Group for their efforts creating the new out of town business park, Prime Four.

The Scottish Property Awards raise funds for the charity ‘It’s Good 2 Give’ currently building The Ripple Retreat - a luxury residential holiday home which will be gifted to families with children who have cancer. Acting on behalf of the charity, awards organisers have already raised approximately £20,000 and also helped to secure a £30,000 donation from Scottish Property Industry Festival of Xmas (SPIFOX).

The 2800 sq. ft. property is located on the shores of Loch Venacher in the Trossachs National Park is now undergoing construction by John Dennis Group and has been designed by award winning architect, Tony Kettle.

www.scottishpropertyawards.co.uk