A FORMER courthouse and beauty spot are among four Wirral developments shortlisted for prestigious awards.

The Old Courthouse in Wallasey, The Sail in West Kirby, South View, Bromborough and Port Sunlight River Park are in the running for honours from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

The plaudits recognise 'exemplary' built projects that are making a positive contribution to the community.

This year 27 schemes of all sizes and budgets from across the North West are in with a chance of gaining acclaimed industry recognition.

The conversion and refurbishment of The Old Courthouse in Wallasey to provide 21 apartments for social rent is in the running for building conservation and residential awards.

The Sail, featuring apartments described as 'art deco coastal properties from the early 1900s, is up for a Residential accolade, as is South View in Bromborough, a new ten-home estate for affordable rent that was built on an infill site.

Port Sunlight River Park in Bromborough, former closed landfill site that was transformed into a 28-hectare park providing a popular community space with an array of walkways, wildlife, wildflowers and a wetlands area, has been nominated for two awards; regeneration and tourism and leisure.

They are also in the running for 'North West Project of the Year', presented to the scheme which demonstrates overall outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment to adding value to its local area.

Last year, the title went to the Mersey Gateway Project.

The winners will be announced during a ceremony at the Principal Hotel in Manchester on May 10.

All category winners will go on to compete against other regional winners at the national RICS Awards grand final in London later this year, for the chance to be crowned the overall UK winner in their respective category.

Chair of the RICS Awards, North West judging panel, Will Rees, said: "What's great about the RICS Awards is that they celebrate and recognise the community impact that these shortlisted property projects are having on their local communities, as well as the talent and collaboration of the teams behind them.

"Some of these shortlisted projects have helped to attract more visitors and inward investment, whilst others have provided much needed housing or vital services and infrastructure to their communities.

"The teams behind them should be extremely proud as many were delivered on time and within budget, and with sustainability at the heart, to ensure they are as energy efficient and as environmentally friendly as possible."