Hylton Castle and Vaux site's The Beam in running for major construction award

The Beam – the first building on Sunderland’s Vaux site – and Hylton Castle have made the final line-up in the Project of the Year category of the Constructing Excellence in the North East (CENE) Awards, which are due to be held in Newcastle in September.

The Beam is already home to a number of businesses, including delivery firm Ocado, while Hylton Castle has been transformed into a centre for the local community with funding from the city council and Heritage Lottery Fund.

Tolent, the North East construction firm that completed work on The Beam, after stepping in mid-way through the build following the collapse of Carillion Construction, nominated the project for the award, with the winner set to be announced in September.

Coun Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We are transforming the city through not only the construction of new spaces, but the renovation of old buildings too, and it’s fantastic to see some of the stunning projects we’re delivering attracting attention on both a regional and national stage.”

David Thompson, regional director at Tolent, said: “We’re delighted to see the Beam shortlisted for the Project of the Year and the Integration and Collaborative Working categories in the CENE awards.

“Despite the original contractor falling into administration partway through the contract, we rose to the challenge and were able to deliver this project on time, whilst safeguarding local jobs."

Peter McIntyre, city development director at Sunderland City Council, said: “The Beam really is one of the most significant buildings we have seen rise from the ground in recent years, not only in terms of what it represents – as the first building on the Riverside Sunderland development – but in respect of its ability to attract a company like Ocado to the city.

“We’re delighted this has been recognised in making the shortlist for this prestigious award.”

The two schemes will face stiff competition, with a number of other high-profile regional projects in the running.

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