The Government’s awards for sustainable communities were today opened for entries – by Iain Wright MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at Communities and Local Government, during a visit to the Northmoor community in Manchester, one of last year’s winners.
The awards are managed on behalf of Government by the HCA Academy. To reflect the Academy’s move into the new Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the scheme will now be known as the Homes and Communities Academy Awards. The awards scheme has been running since 2003, formerly as the Deputy Prime Minister's Award for Sustainable Communities and latterly the Creating the Future Awards.
The Homes and Communities Academy Awards celebrate successful developments and community-based projects in the public, private and third sectors. They promote organisations, partnerships and individuals helping to transform our cities, towns, villages and neighbourhoods.
The Government’s awards for sustainable communities were today opened for entries – by Iain Wright MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at Communities and Local Government, during a visit to the Northmoor community in Manchester, one of last year’s winners.
The awards are managed on behalf of Government by the HCA Academy. To reflect the Academy’s move into the new Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the scheme will now be known as the Homes and Communities Academy Awards. The awards scheme has been running since 2003, formerly as the Deputy Prime Minister's Award for Sustainable Communities and latterly the Creating the Future Awards.
The Homes and Communities Academy Awards celebrate successful developments and community-based projects in the public, private and third sectors. They promote organisations, partnerships and individuals helping to transform our cities, towns, villages and neighbourhoods.
During his visit to the Northmoor community, Iain Wright MP said:
"We all want to live in safe, friendly and sustainable communities, which is why I am delighted to launch the Homes and Communities Academy Awards for 2009. The winners of these awards will make real differences to people’s everyday lives, bringing change to neighbourhoods and empowering communities. I look forward to seeing the results of their innovation and vision in communities around the country."
Professor Peter Roberts, Chair of the HCA Academy and a member of the HCA Board, said:
"The Academy is delighted to be part of the HCA and the awards will now have an even greater profile. Regenerating and transforming our communities can be often complex so we must do all that we can to help others learn from success and ensure that people don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. Our national role in capturing and disseminating good practice will be vital to the agency and the wider sector, improving the expertise of people working to transform places and increase the supply of affordable homes."
The categories for the 2009 scheme target priority areas in the delivery of sustainable communities:
Empowered communities – Supporting local people to improve their neighborhoods
Investing in young people – Developing tomorrow’s active citizens
Leadership of place – Developing strong local partnerships for better homes and communities
Low carbon development – Creating a sustainable future through building innovations
New ventures – Delivering growth and renewal in challenging markets
Outstanding commitment – Demonstrating community spirit and encouraging involvement from others
Places for all – Strengthening communities through culture and heritage
Reducing carbon – Improving sustainable living in existing homes and communities
Skills for better places – Investing in the workforce to improve delivery
The deadline for entries is Wednesday 11th February 2009. The winners will be announced at a dinner event in London on Thursday 4th June 2008.
The awards are managed on behalf of Government by the HCA Academy. To reflect the Academy’s move into the new Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the scheme will now be known as the Homes and Communities Academy Awards. The awards scheme has been running since 2003, formerly as the Deputy Prime Minister's Award for Sustainable Communities and latterly the Creating the Future Awards.
