THE Nene Waterfront Regeneration is up for yet another award, with the Foyer Project in line for the Best Public/Community Project in today s Local Authority Building Control, East Anglia Built in Quality Awards 2007. The Foyer Project, which opened its d

THE Nene Waterfront Regeneration is up for yet another award, with the Foyer Project in line for the Best Public/Community Project in today's Local Authority Building Control, East Anglia Built in Quality Awards 2007.

The Foyer Project, which opened its doors to 17 young people in December, will play a vital role in providing accommodation, training and mentoring under one roof and helping break the cycle of no home-no job-no home that faces many young people.

The project was submitted for the award by the building's designers, Peterborough-based PDG Architects. The building was commissioned by Axiom Housing, but was conceived as a flagship for the multi-million pound Nene Waterfront Regeneration scheme which is set to transform the economic fortunes of Wisbech, and Fenland as a whole.

Last month, the Nene Waterfront Regeneration project scooped the Strategy and Master Planning Category in the Waterways Renaissance Awards run by the Waterways Trust and BURA (British Urban Regeneration Association).

Fenland District Council provided the land to build the Foyer and provided a £330,000 grant towards the cost of the building. The concept was an integral part of the overall regeneration plan for the Nene Waterfront, funded jointly by funded by Fenland Council, East of England Development Agency and the European Regeneration Development Fund administered by Go-East and English Partnerships.

Paul Hutchings, of PDG Architects, said: "We designed a high-quality building that would live up to its reputation as a flagship for the Nene Waterfront Regeneration project. It has been superbly built by Burmor Construction, the quality of the building is evident from every angle. As architects, we are particularly pleased that the finished building blends so well into the riverscape and I'm sure it will add to the look and feel of the massive regeneration project across the river that will very soon begin to take shape."

Richard Hall, chief executive of Axiom Housing Association, said: "We are very proud of our new building and the young people love it too. It is modern and contemporary and inspirational for young people. The quality of construction and finish in the Foyer is a daily source of appreciation and it provides an environment that our young people deserve."

Gary Garford, Fenland Council's director of business and infrastructure, said: "I am delighted the Foyer is in line for an award. It is a very attractive modern building that blends well into its environment and will serve young people very well. I am delighted we were able to play a key role in commissioning the feasibility study on the Foyer project and supported Axiom Housing Association in attracting Housing Corporation funding as well as providing hard cash towards the building of the project.