THE foundations have been set for York to be home to the Project of the Year in a regional property awards scheme for the second year as two developments in the city are shortlisted.

The 2016 RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) Yorkshire and Humber Awards has named two property projects in York as finalists for a number of categories, including the overall Project of the Year title, which last year was won by Network Rail's Rail Operating Centre in York.

One of the 46 projects from across the region to be shortlisted is Askham Park, situated between the villages of Askham Richard and Askham Bryan, which is in the running in three categories: Building Conservation, Residential and Regeneration The project saw the redevelopment of an Edwardian stables complex, previously associated with the Askham Grange Estate, which were restored to their former glory while creating five individual homes.

Elsewhere in York, a flood protection project, known as The Water End Flood Alleviation Scheme, is in the running for the Infrastructure accolade.

The Environment Agency, in partnership with City of York Council, delivered the £4 million scheme, which involved implementing flood walls and embankments to provide an improved standard of protection to almost 400 homes and businesses in the Leeman Road area.

The scheme was successfully tested during the December 2015 floods, saving many properties from inundation.

Chairman of the RICS Yorkshire & Humber Awards judging panel, Rob Hindle, said: "The awards attract a significant volume of entries every year and this year is no different; our shortlist of inspiring schemes is testament to the talent and exceptional skills of our region’s property professionals."

Another North Yorkshire development in the running for awards is Talbot Yard Food Court in Malton, shortlisted in three categories: Building Conservation, Regeneration and Tourism & Leisure.

Originally developed to provide stabling and carriage housing to the nearby Grade II-listed Talbot Hotel, the new £1 million Talbot Yard Food Court features an ice-cream parlour, artisan bakery, coffee roastery, brewery, butcher and a fresh pasta maker.

Meanwhile, The Coach House at the 17th century Georgian manor house Middleton Lodge in Richmond is also up for the Tourism & Leisure accolade, along with the Building Conservation award after undergoing a £1.6 million development to create a restaurant, farmhouse accommodation and spa treatment rooms.

Property expert and television presenter Martin Roberts of BBC One’s property auction series, Homes Under the Hammer will host the 2016 RICS Yorkshire & Humber Awards on May 13 at The Majestic, Harrogate.

All category winners will go on to compete against other regional winners at the national RICS Awards Grand Final in October 2016, for the chance to be crowned the overall UK winner in their respective category.