Public to vote on what gives them pride in Merseyside

On 1 July 2010 Merseyside Civic Society [1] (MCS) – the civic society for the whole of Merseyside – is re-launching the Merseyside Civic Society Awards to recognise and reward buildings and environmental projects that make a noteworthy contribution to our region.

Paula Ridley, Vice-President of Merseyside Civic Society, says: "The whole idea of these Civic Society awards is to celebrate buildings and projects that are a credit to Merseyside. We want to stimulate interest among the people of our region in the places and spaces around them”.

Awards will be made for schemes that enhance the environment where we live, including New Building, Refurbishment, Public Space, Housing and Green Space Award. 

A full explanation of the 5 awards and the specific criteria is available at www.merseysidecivicawards.org.uk
Eligible projects must have been completed after January 1st 2007 and the project must have been in use for its intended purpose for at least six months.  Nominations can be made by individuals, community groups, other civic societies, architects, local authorities and anyone else who believes a project is suitable. The judging panel will consist of members of Merseyside Civic Society and specially invited guests.

All winners will receive a certificate commemorating the award which they can display publicly.  The judges may also award certificates for ‘commended’ entries. 

Civic Pride in Merseyside - In addition to the 5 awards that MCS will be awarding, the society is asking people to nominate what makes them proud about living in Merseyside. Paula Ridley continues “we want to ask the people of Merseyside – what new buildings or projects make you proud about where you live”.   Any project built since 2007 can be nominated by a member of the public and will then be put to a public vote in the autumn. People can nominate at www.mcsawards.org.uk

Paula Ridley also adds “Since 1938 Merseyside Civic Society has helped to preserve key elements of the best of the area’s past, as well as demanding excellence in for the future. We believe everyone has the right to live somewhere they can be proud about and we look forward to working with partners in helping making this a reality in future years. We hope the awards will be the first step towards making this happen”