THE hunt for the Solent’s best new buildings has begun.

The Solent Design Awards 2016 have been launched with businesses and councils across the region urged to enter new buildings for one of three awards.

Held every two years, the awards are designed to recognise buildings that have “made a positive impact on people and places”.

This year there will be three categories – the Quality Residential Place Awards, the People’s Choice Award for the project receiving the most public votes, and the Quality Place Award for the best scheme.

Previous winners have included Southampton’s SeaCity Museum, the St Alphege Learning and Teaching Building at the University of Winchester, and the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth.

Paul Ramshaw, from organisers Quality Places Practitioners’ Group, said: “There has been significant investment in the region in recent years, with some outstanding buildings really changing the way residents and visitors interact with their surroundings.

“Judges won’t just be looking for examples of great architecture, but importantly schemes which bring a sense of place and make the Solent a better place to live, work and study.”

The closing date for entries is 4pm on September 2, before a public vote takes place for the winner of the People’s Choice Award.

For more information about the awards visit www.solentdesignawards.org.uk.