THE Bromsgrove Society is holding its prestigious design awards recognising outstanding town buildings.

The awards, which began in the 1980s shortly after the society was founded, are held every three to five years with the last awards made in 2009.

They were originally established to recognise and encourage new architectural projects and landscape work, conversion of a building, landscape improvement works, and environmental architecture.

Awards are given to projects considered to be of outstanding quality, adding something to the Bromsgrove district.

The 2014 awards are being opened to any project in the district completed between January 2009, and the end of 2013.

The closing date for entries will be Friday, April 11, with the awards being presented at the society's annual general meeting taking place at Avoncroft Museum's New Guesten Hall on June 26.

Entries are invited for projects in the following categories; new building, conversion of a building to alternative use, conversion work to a listed or other historic building, new work to an open space or landscape improvement and environmental improvements to an older building.

The judging panel will be particularly looking for buildings or projects that show excellence in the use of materials, a positive contribution to the surrounding environment, efforts to reduce the negative environmental impact and excellence of architectural design.

An exhibition of photographs, plans of the shortlisted projects, and a display about past awards and winners will be held at Avoncroft Museum during the period of the Bromsgrove Festival, June 14 to July 20.

Reg Longshaw, Bromsgrove Society chairman, said “I’m looking forward to seeing entries from a wide variety of projects, which have been built over the last five years that really enhance the built environment of the district.

"The society hopes by issuing these awards that we are encouraging both the retention and upkeep of the area’s historic buildings, while recognising great quality in new buildings and the improvement to landscapes and open spaces across the district."

Anyone can nominate a project or building for an award, including the owner. The Bromsgrove Society asks anyone nominating a property for which they are not the owner, to check they are happy to participate before putting their name forward.

To receive an entry form contact Simon Carter, Avoncroft Museum's director, by emailing director@avoncroft.org.uk.