THIRTEEN building projects have been nominated for the Waltham Forest Design Awards this year.

The awards, run by the council in partnership with the Guardian, recognise new buildings, refurbishments or extensions which have made a positive change to the area.

As there were no awards last year, nominations were accepted for projects throughout 2008 and 2009.

This year awards will be handed out for best educational development (secondary and primary) and best use of a historic building.

There is also a new award for best extension.

Cllr Terry Wheeler, cabinet member for enterprise, is one of the judges on this year's panel.

Cllr Wheeler said: “We are trying to improve the quality of design across all examples of buildings.

“We want to make the place look better.”

Projects nominated include the Frederick Bremer school, Thomas Gamuel school foundation unit, the Kelmscott School extension and refurbishment, and refurbishments to Mission Grove and Newport Children's Centres.

A number of new flats developments are listed, including the Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association flats opposite the town hall, and a development in Handsworth Avenue, Highams Park.

There are also a number of conversions or extensions to historic buildings, including a new mansard roof to a listed building in High Elms, Woodford Green, an extension to a listed building in Orford Road, Walthamstow, and the conversion to flats of the former Essex Brewery Tap public house building, in Markhouse Road, Walthamstow.

The winners will be announced in the new year.

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