AN inspirational centre in Runcorn which supports cancer patients is in the running for a top architectural accolade at the region’s property ‘Oscars’.

Macmillan Delamere Centre at Halton Hospital has been shortlisted for the community benefit award at the 2015 Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors north west awards.

The RICS awards showcase the most inspirational regional initiatives and developments in land, property, construction and the built environment.

The Delamere Centre reopened in 2013 following a £1 million redesign and refurbishment.
It combines complimentary therapies with counselling and advice services for cancer patients, both supplementing and supporting the clinical treatments patients receive in the main hospital. 
There are new therapy rooms, a garden and new look information centre.

The emotional and psychological needs of patients and their families are at the heart of the design, through the creation of spaces that feel tranquil and intimate in scale, with careful thought given to sensory stimulation, natural daylight and the connection with nature.

If it wins, it will automatically be entered into the national RICS awards, where it will compete against other leading projects from across the UK later this year.

The restoration of Grosvenor Park in Chester has been shortlisted in the community benefit, regeneration and tourism and leisure categories.

Chester Cathedral's new visitor experience 'Cathedral at Heights' is in the running for tourism and leisure.

Knowsley Housing Trusts's new affordable housing development in Huyton is up for the residential accolade.

Chairman of the RICS north west awards judging panel, Will Rees of Rees Straw Chartered Surveyors in Liverpool said: “The construction market in the region is improving following relatively lean years.

“The fact that we have a shortlist of 45 built schemes – many of which are of an exceptional standard - is extremely encouraging.

“Each shortlisted project is of quality design and is hugely beneficial to their local community and wider areas.

"I look forward to joining our region’s property professionals in celebrating and rewarding the talented teams behind the winning schemes at the Awards ceremony.”

Emma Jesson from ITV’s weather in the north of England will host the RICS north west awards at the The Monastery on Thursday, April 30.