Some of Bradford's newest buildings, refurbishments and landscape projects will compete for awards in a scheme launched today.

But the categories are so wide that even a new shop front or house extension could finish up in the limelight.

Bradford Council has joined forces with the Royal Institute of British Architects to launch the project in the run-up to its bid to become Europe's Capital of Culture in the year 2008.

Organisers say it will be a showcase for top designers and architects who have carried out existing projects and encourage in-coming developers to follow in their footsteps.

It comes at a time of major change as a consortium prepare to demolish ugly 1960s buildings in the bottom end of the city and replace them with vast modern shopping malls.

Another developer plans to pull down the historic Odeon cinema with its distinctive domes and replace it with a complex which will include bars, a night club, casino and hotel.

On the down side developers have been given planning permission for a much-criticised scheme, replacing towering Provincial House with a lower level caf bar scheme with a small arts centre.

Now local designers and architects are being invited to nominate existing schemes which have impressed them and contributed to the district. Winning buildings will be awarded plaques and there will be certificates to people involved.

The awards are being sponsored by the Bradford-based Yorkshire Building Society.

The categories are for new buildings, refurbishments, ex-tensions, landscaping and smaller schemes up to £50,000.

Schemes must have been completed between January 1, 1996, and December 31 last year.

Alan Booth, chairman of the Bradford RIBA and a senior partner of Rance, Booth & Smith Architects of Saltaire, said: "The design awards promise to be a great showcase for the work of design professionals in Bradford district.

"We hope the introduction of the scheme will raise public awareness of the role good design can play in enriching peoples' lives and improving the well being of the city."

Bradford Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "It will provide a wonderful showcase for the talent and flair of architects and designers of both big and small schemes."

David Holmes, corporate affairs manager with the Yorkshire Building Society said: "Continuing investment by developers and businesses, including the completion of our £10 million contact centre in the city centre, is creating more and more opportunities for the design industry."

Projects in the district in recent years, which could be among the first winners, include the award winning expansion of the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, the refurbishment of the Grade One listed Wool Exchange, the Thorn-bury community complex and the conversion of Salts Mill, Saltaire, into shops.

Information can be obtained from Allan Booth on Bradford 587327 and entries should be submitted to the Council's planning offices in by July 5. Results will be announced in September.

e-mail: olwen.vasey @bradford.newsquest.co.uk