Awards shortlist for high flyer

Organised by Leeds City Council and Leeds Chamber Property Forum the awards were set up to promote and show case best practice in architecture and design in the city.

This year the Blackburn Wing at Bowcliffe Hall, Bramham, is joined on the shortlist by 32 other developments including John Lewis Building.

Paul Ellison, managing Director of Yorkshire Design Group, representing Leeds Chamber Property Forum, said: “Leeds continues to grow in stature and further develop its profile as an enviable city in which to live, work and spend leisure time, and these awards celebrate the quality and ingenuity of diverse schemes and projects which all contribute to an improved experience of our urban fabric.

“The 2016 shortlist presents the opportunity not only to acknowledge excellence in major, headline-grabbing developments, but also to shine the light on the more modest, quirky yet equally valuable contributions to the character of our city.”

The Blackburn Wing tree house conference centre in the shape of an aeroplane wing was part of a £6m restoration programme at the 202-year-old hall.

And the 2,060 sq ft project, which was led by Conlan Construction and finished in 2012, pays tribute to aviation hero Robert Blackburn who owned the Grade II listed Bowcliffe Hall.

The awards look set to be the biggest and best yet with nearly 80 nominations over seven categories.

A judging panel chaired by guest assessor Kit Martin, CBE, and featuring Paul Ellison from Leeds Chamber Property Forum and Kevin Grady, Director of Leeds Civic Trust will be tasked with finding winners for the Leeds Architecture Awards.

And the winners will be announced in March at a glittering ceremony in Leeds Town Hall.

Categories include best new building, best conserved building and best temporary works as well as a people’s choice award.

Also this year sees a special young people’s award, selected by a panel of young people who will choose their favourite building from this year’s award winners.

Leeds City Council leader Coun Judith Blake said: “Looking back at the landscape from 1987 when the awards first took place it’s difficult to believe we’re in the same city such is the transformation that has taken place through the building and development.