There has been further good news for Open after the architects who designed the �12m transformation of the grand former Barclays bank building won an award.

Hudson Architects, based in Redwell Street, Norwich, has claimed the Project of the Year award at the 2012 RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) East of England Awards.

The transformation also won the Community Benefit award at the ceremeony at Chilford Hall, near Cambridge, on Thursday night.

Anthony Hudson, pictured above at Open, of Hudson Architects, said: 'We are elated to win the Project of the Year Award.

'It's been fantastic to see how the building has blossomed with use and we are so pleased to be recognised in this way by RICS.'

Open held off competition from the Lee Valley White Water Centre, in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, and the Whitwell Pavilion in Hertfordshire to win the Community Benefit award.

Chair of the east of England judges, Stephen Boniface, said: 'This enormously popular youth venue in Norwich faced unprecedented competition from some exceptional projects.

'It came out on top because it placed young people at its heart and is cherished by the local community. I am delighted to congratulate the team on a truly outstanding project.'

There were 33 entries across four categories in the competition; building conservation, design and innovation, regeneration and community benefit.

The winners now go on to compete in the national grand final of the RICS Awards, which will take place in London during October.