THE Westgate has been crowned the South East's project of the year at an annual property and construction awards.

The Oxford shopping centre was named winner of last night's regional final of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Awards 2019, held at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton.

Judges noted the Westgate's 'innovative features', including ' the successful emphasis on sustainable design, and a large, well landscaped roof terrace with extensive views over the city'.

The shopping centre, which also beat more than 40 property projects to win the commercial category, has now qualified for the national final in London on October 4.

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The awards celebrate the top, community-led built projects from across the region and the talent behind them.

Chair of the judging panel for region, Terry Adsett, said: “The centre ensures public spaces link with surrounding streets, recreating routes of former streets.

"Innovative features include the collaboration of five major architectural firms, the successful emphasis on sustainable design, and a large, well landscaped roof terrace with extensive views over the city.”