Entries open for Wakefield Civic Society design and environment awards

The competition for good architectural design in the city has been held by the society since 1966.

This year’s awards cover projects completed during 2025 and feature five categories, with the winners being announced in April.

Judges take account of how a project fits within the overall street scene and the impact it has on neighbouring properties.

Categories includes best new build or environmental project, best refurbishment project, best shop front, best café or bar front and best residential scheme.

Nominations for the awards can be made by anyone, including members of the public, property owners, developers, architects and project managers.

People do not need to be a member of the society to make a nomination and there is no charge for submitting an entry.

The society is also seeking nominations for environment projects undertaken or completed during 2025.

These awards focus exclusively on projects that help to improve the environment in some way and feature two categories.

The environment enhancement award honours projects that demonstrate imagination and good practice in nature conservation and support sustainable development.

It is open to individuals, businesses, schools, community groups, public agencies, youth groups, local councils, landowners and any other organisation with a suitable project.

The sustainable building and development award acknowledges projects that demonstrate innovation, imagination and good practice that support sustainable development.

It is open to built environment professionals, developers, contractors and landowners.

Anyone can submit a nomination and there is no charge to enter.

At last year’s competition, the Wakefield Exchange building, Gradient Mill and Tết restaurant were among those to receive awards.

Kevin Trickett, president of Wakefield Civic Society said: “Every year, through these awards, the society seeks to draw attention to the very best in new design and refurbishment projects, whatever their scale.

“Our awards celebrate good practice in architecture and design as we believe that attractive buildings, shop fronts, and so on help to make places that people want to spend time in, whether they are local residents, visitors to the city or businesses wanting to invest here.

“With an increasing focus on environmental issues, our environment awards help direct attention to what is being done locally to enhance our open spaces– whether it’s keeping our streets and parks clear of litter and laying out attractive planting or doing something more ambitious to help alleviate the effects of climate change.

“I urge anyone who has seen something that has been well done to put forward a nomination.”

Full details of the awards, including detailed criteria and application forms, can be found at www.wakefieldcivicsociety.org.uk

Anyone wishing to submit a nomination for any award is asked to email details to the society at [email protected] by February 13.

Entries will then be considered by a panel of judges appointed by the society.

Results will be announced at the society’s annual general meeting at Wakefield Town Hall on April 23.