Northern Ireland's top community-led built projects have been celebrated at this year's RICS Awards with the Mourne Wall Restoration Project claiming the main prize.

Held at the Crowne Plaza in Belfast last night, 30 May, the awards celebrated community projects across the region in nine categories.

The Mourne Wall scheme, which saw over 600 repairs delivered on the 22-mile structure, was named 'Project of the Year' at the ceremony, beating competition from a record 35 other entries.

This highly coveted title is awarded to the scheme that demonstrates outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment to adding value to its local area.

RICS judges commended "the collaboration between stakeholders to overcome the many challenges in completing the project, whilst working to minimise impact on the environment so future generations can enjoy this exceptional landmark".

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The Mourne Wall scheme also secured the prize for 'Building Conservation'.

Chair of the RICS Awards 2019, Northern Ireland judging panel, Michael Hannaway said: "The RPS Group and Geda Construction project team has successfully completed a lengthy and thorough revival of this historic landmark. The 'Mourne Wall' is in a Special Area of Conservation, Area of Special Scientific Interest and the heart of an Area of Outstanding Beauty. It also plays an important role environmentally and navigationally to the 100,000 walkers that visit the area.

"Judges were impressed with the blending of traditional skills and craftsmanship with modern surveying techniques to return the wall to its original condition. The £1.6m project involved descendants of the original wall builders and included the use of local materials that were expertly crafted. The team behind it should be very proud as it was no easy task, with such a challenging landscape to work within and many factors to consider in ensuring minimised environmental impact."

Other winners included Belfast's River House and The Blossom Children's & Young People Centre at Craigavon Area Hospital.

A full list of the eight winners at the RICS Awards 2019 is as follows:

• Building Conservation – Mourne Wall Restoration Project, Co Down

• Commercial – River House, Belfast

• Community Benefit - Raidió Fáilte / Líonra Uladh, Belfast

• Design through Innovation – DAERA, Ballykelly

• Infrastructure - The Blossom Children’s & Young People Centre, Craigavon Area Hospital

• Regeneration – Let's Go Hydro, Carryduff

• Residential - Northland Road Residential Development, L'Derry.

(CM/JG)