The visitor centre at London’s iconic HMS Belfast, part of Imperial War Museums, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award that celebrates inspiring projects in design and construction.

CPMG Architects and Focus Consultants have been selected as finalists in the Tourism and Leisure category of the RICS Awards and will be attending an awards ceremony in London on 30 April 2015 on behalf of project partners Couch Perry Wilkes and Price & Myers – all Nottingham-based businesses.

The RICS Awards selects the very best inspirational initiatives in land, property and construction and the environment and recognises the very best work across the capital city.

HMS Belfast’s new visitor centre and Quayside Pavilion opened in 2013 to mark its 75th anniversary combining better access for schools and group visits with a cutting edge rooftop bar and cafe.

Nick Gregory, director for CPMG Architects said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for this award and to be recognised for our designs for the iconic HMS Belfast visitor centre. It’s not every day you’re asked to bring your expertise to a London landmark on the River Thames, so this project was really something special. We’re proud to be part of the four-strong team made of Focus Consultants, Couch Perry Wilkes and Price & Myers to fly the flag for Nottingham and keep part of our heritage alive for the tourism industry.”

Eleanor Clarke, associate at Focus Consultants also commented: “We’re so proud to have project managed an expert team from Nottingham which transformed HMS Belfast on behalf of  Imperial War Museums. The improvements have seen the Second World War Royal Navy Warship become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the capital city.”

The visitor centre was transformed to include a ground floor cafe and dramatic rooftop bar as part of its reopening in 2013 in conjunction with the ship’s 75th anniversary.

The Nottingham project team is up against seven other finalists in the tourism and leisure category including HM Tower of London, The Glass Mill Leisure Centre, British Museum World Conservation and Exhibition Centre, Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, New Pavillion Portico at The Kia Oval, Lambeth, Beefeater Gin Visitor Centre in Lambeth and Terminal 2, The Queen’s Terminal.

The award’s eight categories are: building conservation, commercial, community benefit, design through innovation, infrastructure, regeneration, residential, tourism and leisure. The event will be taking place at the Lancaster London Hotel and will be hosted by comedian Mark Watson.

Find out more about the award here: http://www.rics.org/uk/training-events/networking/rics-awards-2015-london/london/