REGENERATION work on Chatham Maritime was commended in the annual international Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards.

The 20-year project missed out on the top prize in the regeneration category, beaten by joint-winners: Birmingham’s Bullring, and ForthQuarter waterfront area in north Edinburgh.

John Walshe, one of the judges, described Chatham Maritime as “a first class example of the benefits to be achieved from public/private partnership in the renaissance of a major derelict area”.

The North Kent project is strategically important to the regeneration of the Thames Gateway and is of regional significance, with 350 acres of land in an economically deprived area.

This year’s RICS awards attracted more than 160 entries. The winners were announced at a ceremony held at London’s Landmark Hotel and were presented by Kevin McCloud of Channel 4’s Grand Designs.

The awards recognise excellence in built environment projects and a commitment to value for money and sustainability.

Simon Pott, chairman of the judges, said: ”The RICS Awards are designed to encourage and recognise outstanding achievement in the built and natural environment.”