TWO building projects in Stevenage are in the running for the most prestigious prize in the UK property industry. What are known as Property Oscars are up for grabs in the regional heat of the RICS East of England Awards 2010. Judging of all the 33 proper

TWO building projects in Stevenage are in the running for the most prestigious prize in the UK property industry.

What are known as Property Oscars are up for grabs in the regional heat of the RICS East of England Awards 2010.

Judging of all the 33 property projects entered into the four-category awards contest is now under way.

Among the 14 entries in the community benefit category, the most popular group in the East of England Awards, is Stevenage Police Station and Custody Suite.

The development project involved a four-storey extension to the existing police station, a 24 cell detainee area, new office accommodation, refurbishment of the existing station, 182 car parking spaces, solar control and passive natural ventilation.

Going for glory in the sustainability category is The Wine Society prefabricated Hemcrete warehouse in Stevenage which uses prefabricated Hemcrete panels, has 3,250 sq m of warehouse space, 21m double height structure and eight-pallet high storage.

The winning projects from the RICS East of England Awards 2010 will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony to be held in Cambridge on May 13. The winners will then go on to compete in the grand final of the RICS Awards which will take place in London in October.

Lead judge for the East of England, Edward Coe, said: 'We are excited by the high-standard of entries from Hertfordshire. Despite the challenging conditions for many property professionals, these projects prove that high quality buildings continue to make a positive contribution to the area's built environment.

"Each category carefully shows how property professionals use their skills to develop, regenerate and conserve the environment in which we live and work.