The restored Holgate Windmill is vying with the city council’s £32 million headquarters at West Offices for a coveted design award.

The two are among 30 entries – ranging from home extensions to prestigious new public buildings and conversions – competing for this year’s York Design Awards, the winner of which will be announced in July.

A four-strong judging panel, led by internationally renowned architect Robert Adam, toured York this week to view the entries.

Mr Adam said: “It is a great reflection on York that there is so much good new building and restoration work going on in the city, despite the tough economic challenges the country currently faces. “As always, we’ve been impressed this year by the quality of design and craftsmanship on show across such a wide range of projects. Judging has been tougher than ever.”

Mr Adam shares judging duties with three other judges – Leeds architect Stefanie Stead; Dr Hendrik Louw, senior lecturer at Newcastle University’s school of architecture, planning and landscape; and David Heath, chairman of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

Later this month the people of York will also be invited to make their own choices for the York Design Awards’ People’s Award, sponsored by The Press.

Janet Hopton, who chairs the York Design Awards steering group, said: “Good architecture and sensitive building restoration plays an important part in what makes York such a special place. “Our mission is to support that for the future and to encourage designers of new developments in the city to maintain the very highest standards – to create buildings and spaces that ‘delight’.”

The sponsors of the awards include property and development company S Harrison Developments Ltd, York Civic Trust, City of York Council, York Archaeological Trust and the York Guild of Building.