A MASSIVE £2 million revamp at The Yorkshire Museum was last night recognised by top architects.

The museum was highly commended in the Pro-Yorkshire Awards 2011 organised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the region’s building Oscars, held at the Pavilion in Leeds.

The contest celebrates inspirational initiatives in the land, property and construction sectors. From an entry of 69 projects from across Yorkshire and Humberside, the museum’s facelift was one of 56 shortlisted schemes pitching for eight coveted RICS category trophies, and the ultimate accolade, Project Of The Year.

Major structural changes and redevelopment of all existing galleries at the building in York’s Museum Gardens earned recognition in the Building Conversation category.

Judges were impressed with the restructuring of the interior of the building, resulting in three major sections: Eboracum: Face To Face With The Romans, York: The Power And The Glory (Anglian, Viking and Medieval York), and Extinct: A Way Of Life.

Colin Harrop, chairman of the awards’ regional judging panel, said: “Despite uncertainty within the sector, the standard of entries this year has been exceptionally high, with nominations ranging from innovative small-scale schemes, through to multimillion pound sustainable developments.”

Among the outright winners was the 1 ZERO 4 scheme in Harrogate, which scooped the Residential Development accolade.

Project of the Year went to Granary Wharf, in Leeds.